The tower was made up of many stairs. Only two landings gave us a short break, after fighting more Heartless. I was slowly getting used to fighting, now that my legs were free to move, but I couldn't help but feel like a nuisance.
Reaching the final door, I stood tall, not wanting to show weakness. I was tired and wanted to rest, but the other three seemed eager to see the sorcerer behind the door. I was curious as well; would he be one of my people? Donald needed a wand for magic, and every time I used mine, he gave me a look that said I was not normal.
"Heartless, Heartless, Heartless! Things haven't changed one bit!" Donald's temper seemed to rise with ever step we climbed. I couldn't blame him; this was getting ridiculous.
"Well, it's a good thing we're on the job, then." Goofy offered me a potion, but I declined. At the first chance I got, I would be making my own. He shrugged, and drank it.
"So the worlds aren't at peace after all?" I asked. "I thought this Heartless business was isolated to certain areas."
Sore tilted his head.
"I had hoped all of this wouldn't be happening. Did I mention you talk funny?"
My cheeks burned. I didn't think I had any kind of accent.
"How so?"
He shrugged.
"You just talk so…formal."
I turned away from him, hoping he wouldn't see the look on my face. It was how I was raised, so of course that's how I would talk. It never hurts to be polite.
Donald pushed open the door.
An elderly man with a long white beard sat behind a desk. A pointed blue hat rested on his head, and a thick book in front of him. The air breathed magic, calming me. I eagerly followed them into the room, but one look at his eyes told me he was not one of my people.
"Master Yen Sid! It's an honor!" Both Donald and Goofy dropped into a bow, and I followed into a curtsy. I didn't know who he was, but if these two were giving respect, it would be best if I did as well.
"Hey there!" Sora gave a half wave, not following our gestures.
"Sora! Show some respect!" Donald pulled at his sleeve, trying to make the teen bow before the sorcerer. Sora did for a brief moment, but then Yen Sid, as Donald had called him, waved for us to stand up proper.
"So, you are Sora. Who is this?"
I swallowed. There was something about this man.
"This is…Ah! We haven't even introduced ourselves yet! I'm Sora, this is Donald and Goofy."
I held my hand out for Sora to take, but once again, my offer went ignored.
"I am Alice Févi. I am searching for my home."
Yen Sid seemed satisfied with my introduction.
"Now then, have you seen the King yet?"
"Yes," Goofy nodded. "We did, Master. But we didn't get a chance to talk to him."
Yen Sid stroked his beard. His eyes lingered to me for a moment, examining my dress and then my face. Did he know who I was? I was from Faerydae, not this place. He couldn't have known.
"Yes...the King has been quite busy of late. Therefore, it would seem that the task of instructing you four falls upon my shoulders. You have a perilous journey ahead of you. You must be well prepared."
Sora slouched, obviously dismayed by the idea of a journey.
"You mean...we have to go on another quest? I was looking forward to finding my friend Riku, so we could go back to the islands."
I glanced at him. Islands? I thought his home was the Twilight Town we just came from. He seemed depressed leaving Hayner, Pence and Olette. I thought he must have known them for years, and grew up in that town. His skin did have a natural tan to it, but I would have never guessed he was an islander.
"Yes. I know. However, everything in your journey, Sora, is connected. Whether you will find your way home to the islands... Whether you will return alone or with your friend... And, whether or not the islands will still be there. And the key that connects them all is you, Sora."
Sora's eyebrows knitted together.
"I'm...the key?"
Sora held out his hand. I was about to question why he was doing such a thing, when a flash of light erupted. The moment it faded, the strange key-sword weapon appeared. Was it magic?
"Chosen wielder of the Keyblade! You are the key that will open the door to light."
Sora nodded. Yen Sid casts a look towards Donald and Goofy, and the two stand up straighter. I too do the same, linking my fingers together and holding them in front of me as I was taught.
Yen Sid waved his hand over the desk. A book materialized. He sent it flying to Sora with a flick of the wrist. Sora grabbed it, and brought it close to his chest. I peek at the words, but I couldn't read the language written on the pages.
"This book contains valuable knowledge you will need for your journey. Study it carefully. Once you have finished, we will speak of the enemies you will surely confront."
Sora let out a sigh, and walks to an empty chair. I followed, curious about what the book read. I didn't want to go on some journey; I just want to go home. If I could find any information about how to keep the Heartless away from my home, I would find it out. I won't disappoint my people again.
"What does it say?" I ask, embarrassed. Back home, my bookshelves put libraries to shame. I spent my days reading, but here I couldn't read a single letter.
"'The Beginning,'" Sora started, not questioning why I couldn't read it over his shoulder. "Each journey gives rise to chance encounters, and each encounter brings forth a farewell. When a farewell leads to a journey, the worlds open their hearts. Those chosen by the light, or ensnared by darkness. Friends who share the same bonds, though their paths may differ. When you doubt the path trod thus far, when the hand you held is lost to you, gaze anew at the heart that once was...for all the answers are within.
"Interlude - A long dream. A sad farewell, hanging in the air in that "world between". What is reality? What is illusion? The path chosen by the young boy leads to his memories. When caught in the stream of the days and nights going past, gaze anew at your steps...for there all confusion will end. "The Future Story - Will the day come when this battle, born of confusion, will end? It is different things to different people. Can the reality be that which is hidden? The reason is mere existence. Still, memories can be believed. Be not afraid. Entrust your body to the soothing waves of your memories. By and by, your fleeting rest will be over...and everything will begin."
"Interesting," I nodded. "But wait a moment-how come the Heartless are still present?"
A small creeped on Yen Sid's old lips.
"Sora's past endeavors did prevent an immense effusion of Heartless from the great darkness; make no mistake about that. However, the Heartless are darkness made real-and darkness lingers yet in every heart. The Heartless are fewer. But while darkness exists in a single heart, it will be difficult to eliminate them."
Sora, Donald and Goofy sighed, but I was growing eager to learn more.
"I see. That must mean if everybody's heart was full of light, then the Heartless would go away."
Yen Sid nodded. He waved his hand, and an image appeared of one of the Heartless.
"Now it is time to speak of the enemies that you will encounter. If one such as you, Alice, yields to the darkness in their heart, they too will become a Heartless. But you know this. The Heartless are always lurking and ever seeking to capture new hearts. Never let your guard down! Now then..."
The sorcerer waved his hand once more, and the image change to that of an ugly, white creature. It had a strange mark on its forehead. I recognized it.
"At times, if someone with a strong heart and will-be they evil or good-becomes a Heartless, the empty shell they leave behind begins to act with a will of its own. An empty vessel whose heart has been stolen away... A spirit that goes on even as its body fades from existence-for you see, Nobodies do not truly exist at all. Nobodies may seem to have feelings, but this is a ruse-they only pretend to have hearts. You must not be deceived!"
I bit my lip. I had seen the Nobodies the day my home was attacked. I shivered at the thought of these creatures being everywhere out in the worlds.
"Nobodies... They don't exist..." Sora muttered.
"Now then...the being you see before you is known as a Dusk. They are the most common form of Nobody. But there are others-some larger, some with frightening and unique powers. Be vigilant! On your journey, you will meet an alarming number of Dusks. They will all attempt to do you harm."
The image disappeared, replaced with hooded figures. I knew them too. One had been there that day. My anger started to rise.
"The beings you see before you now are different. These powerful Nobodies have formed a group called Organization XIII. It commands the lesser Nobodies."
"Organization XIII…" So there were thirteen of them, meaning I had thirteen targets to take care of. I wanted revenge for my home, and if they were behind it, I would destroy them all.
"While Heartless act on instinct, Nobodies function in a higher manner. They can think and plan. And it seems they are working towards a goal. What that goal is, we do not know. The King sensed the danger, and journeyed forth to fight it. He found the dark realm's Keyblade, and with it, closed the door. Now he's traveling from world to world, fighting the Heartless as he seeks the answer to the riddle of the Nobodies and Organization XIII."
"Then I guess we better go find the King first!" Sora's grin returned. I had to question how he could be so happy when talking about these kinds of matters.
"But where could he be?" Donald asked.
"Well, we won't know 'til we look," Goofy added.
Sora shrugged.
"Yeah. And the King must know where Riku is, 'cause the two of them were together in the realm of darkness when we closed the door. You know, after defeating Ansem."
I was starting to gather that Riku was a friend of Sora's, and they both came from an island. It was noble he was searching for his friend across worlds. I had yet to know how many there even were.
"So, before you go, you will need more suitable traveling clothes.
Those look a bit too small for you, Sora. Your dress is beyond repair, Alice."
Yen Sid nodded towards a door behind him. I though it must have been a closet, but as I focused more, I could feel the magic beyond it.
"Through there, you'll find three good fairies. If you ask, they'll create for you appropriate garments."
"F-Fairies?" The Faeries I knew were dangerous and deadly. They lived in the woods near my home, and loved to prank the villagers if offerings weren't made. I followed Sora into the room. Sheets draped over what must have been a mirror. Three women chatted near the window. They looked nothing like what I pictured.
"Me, you guys, Riku, and the King. I don't care who this Organization is or what it's planning. With the six of us-I mean, seven of us-there's nothing to worry about, right?" Sora flashed me a thumbs up.
"Yeah," I offered, unsure of what to say. I wasn't sure if I could be the save-the-world type, or a fighter, but if it meant coming closer to where home was, I would do it.
"Well, look who's here, dears! Sora, Donald, and Goofy!" The Fairy dressed in red scurried over to Sora, and started pulling at his clothes. The poor boy must've gone a year without new ones.
"Ooh, if you're looking for clothes, you've come to the right place!"
The fairy dressed in blue pressed a hand to my back, and pushed my farther in the room.
"I'll do the designing," said the green one. "You poor girl! Such a pretty face but wearing torn rags? We will fix this!"
"I like this dress-"
The green dressed fairy pointed a wand at me and flicked. My dress turned a dark shade of green, and Sora's clothes the same.
"Oh, that will never do!" Cried the red one. Our clothes turned pink.
"But don't you like this better?"
Blue.
"Hold on!"
Green.
Pink.
Blue.
The fairies continue to flick magic towards my tattered dress, the colors changing every moment. I sighed, just wanting them to decide already. We were getting nowhere with the babbling.
"Aww, would you just decide?"
I mentally thanked Sora for speaking up. The fairies giggled, realizing what they were doing.
"All right, then. Together now, dears. And no more squabbling!"
My dress glowed for a moment, before shifting. The strapless top became a black long sleeved shirt, two purple stripes that matched my eyes ran horizontal at the bottom. The skirt was replaced with black shorts than ended half way to my knee. Pockets covered them; a large purple star resting on my right hip.
The clothes were wonderful; I loved my dress, but I could move in these. The star bothered me though. They could have matched the purple and black to my hair and eyes, but the presence of the star told me they knew something of who I was.
"Oh, my!" The red fairy pulled at my clothes, making sure they fit snug.
"Ooh, it's lovely. You're both lovely!" Cried the green one.
"Oh, yes! They do look very dashing."
Sora's new black outfit with red and yellow fit him much better than the old ones. He seemed much happier already.
"Now, those aren't ordinary garments. Alice, yours will help boost your magic. And Sora," The red fairy handed him an orb. I had never seen anything like it, but as soon as Sora touched it, his clothes flashed, turning red. A second Keyblade appeared in his hands.
The Keyblades were truly wondrous things. I thought only one existed, but it seemed like multiple could be collected. Just what were they?
"I'll do my best. And thanks a lot!" Sora's Keyblades flashed out of existence.
"Yes," I added. "Thank you very much for helping us."
The green fairy let out a gasp, remembering something.
"Oh, and there's something else for you, from Master Yen Sid."
What else could he give us? We already were given clothes, knowledge and a task.
"Oh boy!" Donald ran to the main room, everyone else following. Curious, I eyed the strange, floating machine rising outside the window.
"Hey! It's the Gummi Ship!" Sora jerked his head towards the Gummi Ship. "Are you ready to go?"
I glanced between him and the ship, not entirely sure. Everything was happening so fast. I was never asked if I wanted to join the group, let alone travel to different worlds.
"Now, now, just a moment." Yen Sid calmed the three boys. "Because of your previous endeavors, the worlds have returned to their original states. That means the pathways between them have disappeared."
"How do we get around?" I questioned. I was unsure of how this world travelling worked. Was it like travelling to another country? Did we need to alert them?
"Do not fear. If what the King suspected proves true, the worlds have prepared new pathways along which you may travel. These pathways may be utilized by unlocking special gates. How these gates are opened, I'm afraid I do not know... However, the Keyblade will serve as your guide. When a beam of light radiates from the Keyblade, return to the Gummi Ship. Though the worlds may seem far apart and out of reach, they nonetheless remain connected by invisible ties. As do our hearts. But be warned. As you proceed... The Heartless and the Nobodies will be using their own paths: Corridors of darkness, to travel from world to world. They may be attempting to link these dark pathways to the gates between the worlds."
I crossed my arms.
"Well, that's not very fair."
Sora flashed me a smile, his blue eyes nearly glowing from excitement.
"Now then, that is all the information I can give to you. Go forth, Sora, Donald, and Goofy, Alice. Everyone is waiting."
Sora flashed a thumbs up towards the sorcerer. How he could be so laid back I couldn't understand. If I did such a thing, I would be scolded and sent to my room with no dinner.
"Master Yen Sid," I bowed, making up for Sora's lack of respect. "We appreciate the help. We bid you farewell, and may the stars shine bright for you."
Yen Sid's lips curled into a smile.
"And you, Alice Févi ."
Sora reached down, offering his hand. I grabbed it, glad for the help. I climbed up into the Gummi Ship levitating just off the ground. The air stunk of burning fuel and the noise was deafening. Sora closed the door behind me, and I was thankful for the silence.
"So this machine - it's like a train?" I asked.
Donald shook his head.
"No, no! It's a Gummi Ship!"
I stared at the duck. It was quite obvious it was a Gummi Ship, but what was it. I was curious to know how it ran, and flew through the sky without magic. My questions went unanswered.
"I'll pilot," Goofy offered, disappearing behind a door. Donald left without a word, leaving Sora and I alone.
"Does this ship have rooms?" My limbs ached and the day's events were starting to take a toll on my body. My head pounded and my legs felt as if they would collapse at any moment.
Sora scratched the back of his head.
"It does, but only three. You'll have to wait until the next upgrade for your own room,"
Brilliant.
"Well. Might you have a chair or sofa I can sleep on?"
Sora shook his head.
"I've slept enough. You can have my old room for now. I'll take the couch."
I was taken aback by the offer.
"Are you sure? I don't want to impose,"
He laughed, leading me down a short hallway.
"Don't be silly! We're the ones dragging you around." He stopped at the last door on the left. He wiggled the knob, and gestured for me to enter first.
The room was cleaner than I thought it would have been. The bed was unmade, and clothes still littered the ground in a pile in the corner. A desk had several sheets of paper.
Sora hurried in, kicking the clothes into the closet and throwing the pillows to be at the head of the bed. I smiled, watching him try and tidy it as quickly as possible.
"It's been a year since I've been in here, so I'm sorry for the mess. It's only for a few days, I promise."
I waved my hand.
"It's cleaner than my room," I lied.
Sora's grin returned.
"Great! I'll see you tomorrow. Maybe your world will be the first one!"
If only that could be true. I settled into the bed after Sora left. I buried my face in the pillow. Tears threatened my eyes, but I wasn't going to let them win. I had lost everything today, but there was hope I could get it back.
I watched the stars race by out the window until I fell asleep.
A/N: Hey guys, thanks for reading. This is a bit of a side project, so I can't guarantee when chapters will be updated. Reviews are welcome! They make me write faster :P