Rex and I had ventured back to Crossing Hollow to meet up with Kairi. I had to tell her about my endeavors, not to mention, what happened in Abyss Falls. I followed back to the cave where Kairi resided in. As if waiting for me she was sitting by a dead tree that seemed to look rotted and old. She welcomed me in open arms once again.
"Welcome back" she spoke. A sincere smile came on her face.
"Hello Kairi" I replied. My anticipation grew. Telling her was the best thing to do.
As I told Kairi about what had happened her face washed over with benevolence, and shock. What exactly was this creature of darkness? Why did it take human form? The biggest question concerning Kairi though; what was the creatures business with the worlds, what were her motives? Seemingly enough Kairi came up with a plan. She knew that whatever the darkness had in store Rena would have to match the creature's strength.
She has to go to a world that would help her farther in her skills. A simple visit to Abyss falls would not have done her much, not at all.
Kairi knew exactly what she needed to do.
"Child I want you to come with me. I must show you a world you have never seen before. Do not worry I will guide you". Kairi extended a hand to Rena, and she did the same unto Rex.
Both took her wrinkled hands. Such warmth.
"Now hold on tight, this ride may be a bit bumpy".
A swirl of pretty colors came into view as Rex and I eagerly watched Kairi. With her eyes shut and her concentrating, the new world spiraled in front of the duo's eyes. Colors of pink, white, blue, and many others showered over them as they looked around.
Rena laid back first to the soft grass that she was on. Slowly coming to consciousness she glanced up and lifted off the ground.
What's this?
In amazement she saw flower petals. Pink flower petals actually. The trees were full of them. She looked around only to see Kairi in different robes. She then looked down at herself and found that she was wearing bizarre and similar robes as Kairi and Rex.
Breathe taking and beautiful. I never encountered such a world before.
I could hear Namine`. She was bewildered by this world, seeing how it has been so long that any of the forge had seen it, so she told me.
"Well it was by chance, but we are here. I never thought I would be able to come back to this world" spoke kairi. Were we here because she wanted Rex and I to take a load off our minds?
The petals had a peculiar smell. Kind of like back home when I left all those weeks ago. My robes felt comfortable, softer than my normal clothes. Even my hair was different. It was up in a ponytail. "This is the world known as starlight Meadow. It used to be the world that never was. But the forge and I had conquered it and made it our own world. At one time we were cast out because of Xehanort, though he no longer exists anymore, I doubt that we would have been able to come back here seeing how he had once put a curse on the place, but it turns out my curiosity exceeded far more than I expected".
It was Namine` again. She was buzzing in my head asking questions to herself. I spaced out and focused more on my own conscious for now. I told Namine` that it would be okay. She settled down eventually.
"The reason I brought you here is because you are to learn a new technique that the forge has used since its foundation" Kairi demonstrated the technique to the duo. With her hand she took up a bunch of flower petals only in mid-air. She was making patterns and strokes with the petals.
"Whoa" the duo expressed as if they were in awe.
"This is known as telekinesis. It is a technique that is only used by the forge. We were working on a special project back in the time when Xehanort had ruled the worlds. We needed to be faster, wiser, and more cunning to defeat him. With our combined efforts we manage to create this technique thanks to our key-blades. It took a lot of practice because none of us understood what telekinesis was at the time. We got the proper training we needed by master Yen Sid". A look of sorrow came over Kairi's face. In an effort to control herself, she bowed her head and collected her thoughts.
"Now let's get started" she spoke. "Rena you must be able to resonate with your Key-blade. Remember it is its own being, and therefore it too has a soul and feelings. You must once again find your center. That is why I brought you to this world. It will help you concentrate".
Keep calm Rena; we must resonate with our key-blade think of happy thoughts and things of beauty.
I saw what Namine` was telling me. I re-entered my mind. But this time it was of a different atmosphere. There were trees' everywhere. I was in a beautiful forest full of all types of flowers. And instead of hearing the lullaby I usually heard this time I heard one particular voice singing. Where it was coming from I was not sure. I walked towards the light in the sky. The wind was gingerly caressing my hair and my robes. Where I ended up I was not totally sure. There was a waterfall and by it was a beach. A young beautiful creature sat upon the beach with her feet in the water. She wore robes of hot pink and ivory white. Her velvet red hair wrestled in the wind. She turned towards me and looked at me. A smile painted on her face.
"Welcome" she spoke. Her head gazed back towards the sun. A moment of silence passed until I began to speak.
"Hello, and who might you be?" I spoke with curiosity. I looked at her diligently, she was magnificently beautiful.
"Why, I am your key-blade Rena. Can't you tell? Oh wait a minute it's your first time ever meeting me in this form huh?" she giggled at her rhetorical question. She lifted herself off of the sand and greeted Rena with a bow.
"I am glad I actually get to see you like this, key-blades don't often get this type of privilege to meet face to face with their masters in human form. My name is Kayami" she closed her eyes and smiled briefly.
Wow I never knew a key-blade had a human form.
They do Rena, but this type of meeting only happens to those of the forge. None of the others besides the 9 wielders can see what their key-blade looks like in human form. This is a special honor for you Rena. Your key-blade must think highly of you otherwise, she wouldn't have bowed to you.
I looked off in the water. There a reflection of Namine` showed in the ripples of the tide. I smiled at the reflection. It disappeared not too long after.
"Do you like this world Rena? There is so much at stake; I was surprised that Kairi was able to get you here, seeing how the new darkness has control over the worlds".
I don't honestly know how she did it either Kayami.
For the time being I decided to sit with Kayami and talk to her about the worlds, and get to know each other better. It was really interesting. Before the worlds were in darkness Kayami said she was dormant in a world where key-blades were actually human, and well, not all human. She told me that they were special creatures that really weren't known until Kingdom hearts was in threat to darkness.
"My world is where we key-blades were able to watch over Kingdom hearts. What most of the other worlds around us did not know, is that Kingdom hearts was actually a world created to ensure the peace and balance of the universe. It's a little hard to describe in great detail though" Kayami spoke.
It didn't matter to Rena, as far as she knew she had plenty of time to have Kayami explain to her everything. She looked enthusiastic, wanting to know more of what Kayami was explaining.
"Okay I'll do my best. Well Kingdom Hearts was once a world filled with an order. With this order, there were four members that were dedicated to keeping the balance of both good and evil, light and darkness, the yin and yang. However, an evil ruler sought out dictatorship of Kingdom Hearts, unnerving it, and perverting Kingdom Hearts to become unbalanced with all the worlds known in the universe. My world had lost its connection to Kingdom Hearts long, long ago. I have not been able to contact any of the four members that took charge of Kingdom hearts since it's disconnection to the worlds, and my own".
A new look of sorrow came upon Kayami's face as the anguished memories painted in her mind. She then sighed while she took a pause.
"Oh well. Not all hope is lost" Her voice seemed a bare whisper.
She quickly grabbed her mind out of the thoughts and looked towards Rena again, only her expression changed to a more demure and happier position.
"I am going to, now, teach you about the power of telekinesis" she spoke again.
"In order to perform even the slightest tasks of telekinesis you must be able to grasp strongly to your emotions inside, and find the reason that is your destiny" she spoke with a different tone from before. Something that Rena was new to and wasn't sure how to react.
Rena closed her eyes and she searched her memories. She began to think about the first world she entered with Kairi, and then the second with Roxas. With the both of them back in her mind she could only come to one conclusion.
"I remember Kairi talking about how the worlds were once peaceful and that the world she lived in was very bright and warm. But the darkness took that away. She said that I was the forge's newest member and that I was to cast out the darkness of the world's again. I had fought with Roxas in Abyss Falls and there I had encountered the darkness for the first time. That was my time of weakness and insufficiency. I was scared, crying, and although I felt safe being back with Roxas and Rex, I was very angry at myself for not being able to defeat the darkness. So I know that my destiny is for me to rid all worlds of darkness. I am the one wielder who, in time, will be able to defeat such a formidable evil". Rena's arm flowed up towards the sky and Kayami's key form took to her hand. This feeling of hope raged through Rena. She felt so confident so secure.
"Very good Rena. Very, very good". A triumphant smile came over Kayami's face. She knew she picked the right master. In mere moments everything around Rena seemed to have floated in air. The petals that had lain on the ground were dancing around Rena in a circular spectrum. Dancing petals of the pink blossoms.
This is it Rena! You did it, you mastered telekinesis!
Namine` shouted with delight. Rena smiled widely, feeling the emotions Namine` was feeling. In the moment of retribution Kayami came over to Rena grabbing her hands in sincerity.
"Rena you were strong to even face the darkness by yourself. Even though you haven't mastered the ways of the key-blade you are sure to in the end. I have high hopes for you because you are my master and no matter what I am here for you in spirit." Rena gave her a hug in hopes that the goodness of Kayami would latch into her spirits and make her even stronger.
The following morning the duo had awoken to depart from Starlight meadow. It was only moments later that they entered Crossing Hollow. A problem struck the trio's mind and as glances were made they each saw something rather strange and peculiar.
"Oh my, did any of you see what those THINGS were?" Kairi questioned. Rena could sense a dreary presence nearby.
"It's her" Rena spoke in a low tone. Her eyes squinting as if staring angrily at someone. She casually walked over to the tree's; a mere ten feet away from where the trio stood. With key-blade in hand Rena was about to go all out with a battle but alas, the opportunity was lost to her.
"She fled" she replied to Kairi.
It's not the end of the world. It could have been worse, like the first time, she said to herself.
"Hurry you two let's get inside. The darkness comes out at night and searches for anything it can get its hands on" a look of priority came upon kairi's face. The three frantically when inside the cave that looked worn out and old. Kairi shut the door.
"All we can do is wait." Kairi spoke in a whispering tone.
As Rena laid her head back she heard the small tiny whispers from outside the cave. Her face posed mildly to what seemed distraught. She was fast asleep afterwards. She dreamt of something that was bizarre; it felt so real.
Rena awoke on a beach that was deserted. The sand was black and the sky was a deep grey. Clouds sprang over the horizon, and the sun had shown itself through the clouds, not very well anyway.
Where am I? Rena said to herself. A blank stare swept her face out of focus. The landscape looked to be a forest with tall trees and fauna everywhere. Raining, Rena looked to find shelter. As she walked a few miles within the forest she noticed a cottage thanks to the candle light coming from its interior. She approached the door and three hard knocks were made.
"Hello? Is anybody home? I am looking for a place to stay for the night." Rena spoke rather loudly to try and see if anyone got her attention. There was mumbling echoing from afar until it reached the front of the door where it cracked open. A small girl, who looked to be the same age as Rena, stood in front of her.
"Thank you for letting me in" Rena gestured a smile to the girl. Where Rena comes from, strangers were not so kind.
"It's no problem" said the girl. Rena sensed a good vibe from this girl, but there was something different and yet similar to her. She felt that this girl was a familiar presence. Could this be Namine`? She exclaimed in her head.
Rena never really got to see what Namine` looked like. Sure she had imagined what she looked like in her mind, but her imagination was fruitless without the seeds, in other words, there was never an occurrence where Namine` showed herself to Rena. Anxiety was washing over Rena with a splash of anticipation and wanting to figure out if this truly was Namine`.
"Rena" spoke the girl "I'm glad you are here. I'm sure you have many questions as to who I am." She's right on the mark, Rena said to herself. In that instance the girl revealed herself showing blue eyes and blonde hair. She smiled and comfortably said "Rena, I am Namine`. I'm so happy to meet the person that shares my soul." In that moment Rena's fear changed to excitement and happiness. Emotions took control and she had no clue as to what to ask, say, or do. Rena composed herself and spoke to Namine`.
"I thought it was you, but I wasn't exactly sure. In a way, this feels like the first time I've actually met you." Rena replied.
"It was difficult to try and get you here. You see I'm not allowed to roam freely from your body. I'm sure that Kairi has told you that I am her nobody and that you are my reincarnation?" as Namine` took a pause Rena nodded.
"Kairi spoke a lot about you the first time we met. She spoke about how you were like a sister to her despite the fact you are her nobody. I also couldn't believe at first that I am you or a reincarnation anyways. It was so, what's the word, weird. . . I never expected it and it bothered me for a little while." Rena spoke honestly.
"We all have had our times where we never expected the unexpected, even though the cliché goes 'expect the unexpected'. However Rena you aren't really in a dream, in fact, you are in a place that I created within your mind. I wanted it to be as cozy to your liking as possible. I find it to be quite comfortable." Still a smile was worn on Namine`'s face as she spoke.
"You seem to know me pretty well now" I replied. The rain had dimmed down now to a quieter tone. Namine` and I had talked for a while until a question came about from Namine`.
"So Rena, do you like me being inside you? I know it was weird at first for you." Namine` spoke softly and tried to be diligent with the question. Rena swayed her head back and forth, protruding a no to Namine`. Namine nodded and smiled.
"I'm glad you don't feel that way about me" - Namine` retorted – "I didn't expect to come back to this world as you. I guess destiny is funny like that. I'm just glad I was able to meet you in person Rena. – Namine` paused for a moment until she showed me a craft – "See this Rena? This is my good luck charm and Kairi's put together as one. A long time ago before I had passed on due to the darkness, I asked Kairi to forge our two luck charms together so that we may never forget each other – I want you to have it." Namine` was sincere. I laid my hands out as she put the trinket in my hands. A flow of energy came from it. As I blinked I could see the memories that Namine` had with Kairi. I saw it clearly; both of them were my age and seeing them happy, laughing, made me feel a bit sad. Staring off into space Namine` shook me a little calling my name. "Huh?" I said in a fast tone. "What has happened Rena?" Namine` asked. I saw her looking at me with a sad face now and her hand touched my face only to feel moisture run down her hand.
Namine` sighed, "It's okay Rena, please, doesn't cry." Namine` had a look of worry splash over her face, i didn't understand why though. These weren't my tears I was crying. In fact I think the memories had impacted Namine` more than me, therefore, I started to tear up. After all Namine` is still a part of me.
"These aren't mine." I stated. "What aren't yours?" Namine` replied.
"These tears aren't mine." I said. There was a slight pause until Namine` got up and snatched the charm away from my hands. "I don't think I'm able to give this to you just yet Rena. Those memories are precious to me; they are all I have left since I cannot see Kairi in the real world. I have to stay inside here and watch how you go about the worlds and travel; not being able to physically see kairi, to hold her hand or to hug her, bring me to tears." Namine` had started to cry now. It was my judgment however that she had not cried like this in a long, long time. I felt that even though the charm was given to me and then snatched, it wasn't ready to partake on my journey, rather Namine` still needed it, couldn't bear to be without it. Holding anything back now would be pointless. Namine` is me and I am her; I feel whatever it is she is feeling and vice versa. I knew that what she was feeling was towards Kairi. She misses her so much. I eventually offered a hug to her once she calmed down and without a second to spare she ran towards me grasping to my blouse, I was her protector for now. The person she needed to lean on. After all a glimpse I got from within her memory, when she was in this white castle putting back together what seemed to be a boys memory, was very stressful for her, and being the one that was leaned on through everything. I had no idea that my past self-had been so sad, so wanting another's affection. Well I am giving it to her now. It felt nice like the same radiance of warmth that came from Kairi.
"Namine`, don't worry, I'm going to find a way for you to come in contact with Kairi, I promise!" I spoke with harsh sincerity, almost as if the way I spoke, the way I was feeling, made me feel angry that she and Kairi can't be together. Namine` wiped her face of the warm moisture and gave me an endearing smile.
"I needed this Rena, thank you so much. I'm glad you are a part of me in so many ways.". . .
The next thing I remembered was waking up on the floor that was matted with cloth and hay. As I looked over I could see Kairi and Rex eating at a table that looked old and ancient like the door to the cave. "I see you have awoken" Kairi spoke. Her gentle old voice always gave me the feeling of security. "Good morning." A smile came on my face as I laughed slightly. Thoughts were racing my mind as I tried to piece together the memories that I saw while holding the trinket that Namine` gave me and then took back. Who was the boy and why was he in Namine`'s memory? Somehow I felt a strange connection to him.