I stirred from my sleep for what felt like the millionth time. My eyes stared at the ceiling. The clock to the right of me was displaying the time said it was far too early to be awake, but I dragged myself out of bed regardless. The floor was cold to my bare feet. I welcomed the feeling. I turned the door knob, wincing as the metal cried out. Sora was sleeping on the couch, and I did not want to wake him.
In the hallway, I made my way towards the tiny living area. The kitchen was my goal, and that would be the best place to start looking. In the dark, the furniture became black blobs. I slipped past the couch, eyeing the figure sprawled across the cushions. His arm hung over the edge, and his left foot hooked over the top. He was far too tall to be sleeping in such a way.
The first door I tried was a linen closet; the towels weren't folded. The second door was the kitchen. I slipped in and flicked on the light. Counters ran on either side; the stains telling stories of cooking attempts. The gap between them could fit another one of me. A small table sat at the end; four chairs surrounding it.
I started opening cupboards. My last meal felt as if it was days ago. I found some old chips, shrivelled fruit, and very spoiled milk. I wrinkled my nose, tossing them all in the trash can.
"This might work," i muttered to myself, finding sone dried herbs. I sniffed the leaves, identifying them as Dragon's Tongue. It was a bitter tasting plant, but worked wonders in potions for healing.
I dug out a pot and filled it full of water nearly to the top. I chopped the Dragon's Tongue with the only knife I could find; a very dull one at that. I dropped the flakes in the water. Locating some other herbs, I had enough to make a batch of very low-end potions. Several ingredients were missing, resulting in a weaker effect, but drinking it would fill my belly for the time being.
I stirred the concoction, waiting until it turned a translucent green. I snapped my fingers over the mixture, sparks swirling. The green grew brighter the more I added. I continued until it started to boil. I took it off the heat, and let it rest. The sparks would eventually cool and turn to crystal, giving it the opaque green potions had. Satisfied, I leaned against the counter.
"What's that smell?"
Sora opened the door, his fist rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He focused on the pot, then me.
"You have no food, so I made a potion instead. It will fill us until-"
"You made a potion?" His interest in the pot became obvious. Leaning closer, he attempted to dip his finger in the solution. I slapped his hand.
"My country- world, is the leading exporters of potions, elixirs, and most magic items. I thought we were trading with other countries, not worlds."
Sora didn't seem tired in the slightest anymore.
"Can you make Hi-Potions? What about the ones that help with magic and healing?"
"Tents? They're easy enough, but I'll need ingredients-"
"This is great! We won't have to spend munney on potions anymore! When can I drink this?"
I sighed. The color was still the same. Drinking it now would have the same effects, but it would be both hot and the sparks would tingle.
"If you must," I gestured for him to help himself.
Sora dug out two glasses. I located a ladle, and started scooping the liquid into the glasses. Sora tried grabbing his.
"Wait," I took his glass and blew on it. The snow like patterns spread, turning the glass icy cold. The potion started to change opaque, the more it cooled.
I offered Sora the glass. His eyes were wide, but he took it.
"So you really don't need a wand or anything for magic?" He started drinking. Potions were usually bitter, but with the lack of ingredients the taste would just be bland.
"No," I sipped my own. "Is that strange?"
Sora shook his head.
"I think it's great! This one time, Donald's wand was broken. He was useless during battle! He was angry for days-"
"What are you saying, Sora?" I jumped at the sudden presence of the duck.
I tried not to laugh. Picturing him, full of pride, being reduced to nothing because of a broken wand. Perhaps that was why he had been eyeing me oddly since we met.
Sora poured another two glasses. He didn't offer them to me to cool, but handed one to Donald.
"Alice made us breakfast potions until we can gather supplies."
Donald eyed it, then looked at me. It was clear he didn't want to drink it. His trust for me was nonexistent. If the circumstances were switched, and a stranger made me a drink behind closed doors, I wouldn't want to drink it either.
"It's not poisoned," I mentioned, before sipping my own.
Donald snatched his, and the other for Goofy.
"We'll be landing soon, so get ready!"
My heart doubled in speed.
"Where?" I knew nothing of other worlds, but I wanted to see at least one before returning home.
"Hollow Bastion," Donald left.
I jumped out of the Gummi Ship. We landed on a nearby roof top, the brick flat. The buildings were clustered together.
"How do we get down?" I couldn't see any stairs.
"We jump!" I watched Sora, Donald and Goofy jump over the ledge. I ran up to it, but the height seemed taller than what would be deemed safe. The three landed without injury. Taking a deep breath, I stepped over the edge. The ground came up to meet me sooner than expected. I braced for impact. My knee scraped against the brick. I winced, knowing it would be bleeding.
"Are you alright?" Sora grabbed my hand and helped me up. I tested my weight on my leg, and it seemed fine. I offered him his usual thumbs up, forcing a smile.
Satisfied I was alright, we made our way to a large square surrounded by shops. One sold clothing and accessories, another sold potions. I eyed the one that sold swords, but my nose was drawn to a shop with wafting aromas.
"Say, what currency do you use?" I dug in my pockets, hoping to find the ring I had dropped in it the night before. It was white gold and amethyst. I was given it as a birthday present several years ago, and as much as I loved it, I needed some basic items. One day I would buy it back.
"Munney. What's that?"
I showed the ring to Sora.
"I'm not sure how much it's worth, but if we can buy some supplies, I'll sell it. How much do we have?"
Sora counted on his fingers.
"About one hundred,"
I smiled.
"Brilliant! We will have enough for all the supplies-"
"A low end potion costs twenty five munney."
My enthusiasm failed. I gave my ring a last look telling myself I would see it again someday.
We managed to get three thousand munney for my ring. Before we left, it was already in the shop window for twice as much. I hoped nobody would want to buy it, but for trading it in, I was able to by jars for potions, extra clothes for all of us, food, and several smaller items. We carried our haul to the ship, before adventuring farther into town.
Soldier like Heartless wandered the city. I count seven before we walked even a few metres. None attacked, but I was curious about the light pedestals that kept appearing. Glowing in a circle on the ground, it would grow to be as tall as I was, before falling to the brick.
"What are these things?" I jumped back from a nearby one.
"That's the town's defense mechanism," The girl's voice came from above us.
I jerked my head up. A girl older than us was perched on a roof. Her black hair was cropped short, a headband matching her shirt and shorts.
"Yuffie!" Sora called, waving.
Another one of his friends, I guessed.
Yuffie smiled back, but the happiness in her face faded. Her eyes darted towards the approaching figured behind us.
"Look out!"
Sora's Keyblade flashed into his hands faster than I could see. He spun and knocked the nearest Heartless back. The light pillar bolted up from under it, shooting it into the air. The Heartless dropped; I blasted it with lightning.
I turned at the strange noise behind me. A Nobody's arms snaked towards me. A spark from my hand turned into a fire ball. I shot it at the creature, letting the pillar finish it off. I managed to finish two more Heartless. I lost count how many Sora had killed.
I panted, reaching in my pocket for the tiny mouthful of potion I had left from the morning's batch. I swallowed it, and instantly my body felt lighter. My fatigue was washed away.
Yuffie jumped down.
"I see you're still in top form," she laughed.
"What'd you expect?" Sora spun his Keyblade before letting it disappear. "Looks like you're doing okay."
"Well, what did you expect?" Yuffie turned to me. "I've never seen magic like that before. Comes in handy!"
"That it does," I agreed. "I'm Alice. I'm travelling with these three for the time being."
"Nice to meet you!"
Sora's smile faltered for a moment.
"Yuffie, have you seen the King and Riku?"
She shook her head. Sora's head dropped, but his hope returned in a moment. Yuffie started walking down the road, glancing back at us.
"But I had a feeling I'd see you guys again. Everybody's working on stuff over at Merlin's house. C'mon!"
The girl disappeared around the corner.
"You have friends everywhere, huh?"
Sora nodded.
"We all help each other out when the time comes. You'll love everyone."
I smiled, wondering if I could ever be like Sora. I only had one friend back home, and even now, I didn't know what happened to her. One day she just vanished. If I could meet her again I would be happy, but until then, making new friends didn't sound so awful.
Merlin's house was squeezed into a corner. We climbed the two steps, Sora in front. A man sat at the strange screen, hitting buttons as he went. A tall girl wearing pink and a man with a fluffy jacket collar watched. Yuffie spun, gesturing to the group.
"Meet the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee!"
The girl in pink turned. She was very pretty, and with long brown hair in a braid. She gave off a mothering aura.
"We missed you!" She took Sora into a hug, looking him over to make sure he was alright. Her eyes glanced to me, the sparkle in her eyes shining.
"I'm Alice Févi ," I offered before she asked.
"Aerith. Cid," The man at the screen, "Leon," The man with the fluffy jacket, "And you've met Yuffie."
"She has!" Yuffie slapped me on the back. The action was something I was not used to. I was thrown off, but this was not my home. They had different customs than my own people.
"I knew it." Leon, now that I looked, had a large scar across his face. Red, it must have been deep at the time of injury. It didn't take away from his handsome features.
"Knew what?" Sora asked.
"A while back, everyone suddenly remembered you guys, all at the same time." Leon crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. He seemed like the cool type.
"You...remembered? Does that mean you forgot about them?" They seemed close for the group to be remembered.
"Thanks!" Donald stomped his foot.
"So where've you guys been all this time?" Yuffie tapped her chin. I was curious about that as well.
"We were sleeping'."
Goofy's answer was too vague for my curiosity. The way they talked, Sora, Donald and Goofy had been gone for quite a while. When we met, yes their clothes were oddly small, but sleeping wasn't an answer. I didn't press further.
The other looked puzzled as I was.
"So, um...we're trying to find Riku and the King. Have you seen 'em?" Sora's attempt to change the subject worked. Leon, Aerith, Cid and Yuffie all shook their heads in sync. I wished someone would let Sora have at least one lead about where his lost friend was.
"Right," Sora sighed.
Arith dropped her hand on Sora's shoulder.
"Sorry. But let us know if there's anything we can do to help. Okay?"
Sora flashed her a smile, letting her know everything would be alright.
"Okay. Thanks,"
Cid grunted, crossing his arms. He moved to get in Sora's face. My nose wrinkled. He stunk of smoke and alcohol.
"Don't go thankin' us just yet. Hollow Bastion's got a problem. A big problem,"
"Do you mean Nobodies? And Heartless?" I piped in. The number of them outside seemed ridiculous. Yen Sid's tower didn't seem to have this many.
"That's right!" Yuffie chimed.
"Sounds like you could use our help," Sora volunteered us.
"Then let's cut to the chase," Leon uncrossed his arms. "Sora, Donald, Goofy. We were hoping the three of you might give us a hand around here. Since you brought Alice, if you're up to it, you as well."
I didn't have much choice. I nodded, agreeing to the request.
"Like we're gonna say, no?" Sora snorted.
Leon gave a stiff nod. The others looked happy, but trying to get a read on his emotions were next to impossible.
"Follow me to the bailey-there's something you need to see."
Leon headed towards the door. I started to follow, but a puff of smoke stopped me. My palm grew hotter with readying myself for an attack.
A short man with a blue pointed hat and a beard that nearly touched the floor stumbled. He pushed up his round glasses, his eyes narrowing at the guests in his home. He shifted his weight to the long stick in his hand.
"Oh! I thought it was you. Right on time!"
The old man gave us a toothy grin. I was more interested in the transportation spell he just preformed. It was only something I could dream of with my current sill level. Only high-class magic users could accomplish it without killing themselves.
"It's Merlin!" Donald raised his wand in a salute.
"Sora and the gang said they're going to help out!" Yuffie dropped an arm over my shoulder. I flinched from the touch, but I couldn't get away with her weight leaning on my side.
"Splendid! We'll count on you! Ah, yes. Did you give them the cards, dear?"
Aerith let out a gentle gasp.
"Oh!"
She dug into her pocket and retrieved a stack of plastic cards. She gave one to each of us, including me to my surprise.
"Here...they're presents for you. Leon thought you might like to have
them. Yours doesn't have your name on it, Alice, since we didn't know you would be coming. I'm sorry,"
I shook my head.
"No need to apologize. You've showed us more than enough kindness."
Sora examined the card, flipping it in his hand. The bottom of his had his name sprawled across it.
"Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee Honorary Member!"
"Membership cards!" Donald sounded excited.
"Kind of cool, huh?" Goofy chimed.
Sora and Donald nodded eagerly. I couldn't help but laugh at their childish nature. It was sort of cool, being a member of a club like this.
"Hey, thanks, Leon-" Sora finally noticed Leon had left. "Oh no! We're supposed to be at the bailey!"
We turned to leave, but Merlin stopped us.
"Just a moment, Sora. What about your magic?"
I spun to face Sora. He could use magic? Since when? And why did he not tell me? Sora noticed my face, demanding answers. He scratched the back of his head, looking away.
"Huh? Oh, that's right..."
"Maybe you forgot it while you were asleep," I suggested sharply.
Merlin ignored my comment and dug through his blue outfit. He dug out a few sheets of paper and a small, glowing orb.
"Now, what am I to do with you? I suppose I'll have to lend you a few spells. But be careful with them!"
"Thanks, Merlin!" Sora pocketed the items and we headed for the door.
I waited until the door was shut.
"You can use magic?"
Sora glanced at me, looking away quickly.
"I was hoping you wouldn't have found out for a little while longer," He admitted.
"Why? I thought I was the only one! This is great-"
"I can't use magic like you,"
I stopped walking. Donald and Goofy were far ahead of us, out of reach of our conversation.
"Most magic users need some kind of…What's the word? Like an object to use magic through. Donald has his wand, I have my Keyblade, but you have-"
"Nothing." I cut in. "I see. My magic isn't normal."
I knew it wasn't normal from the day I met this strange group. I had hoped I could meet someone from my world, or at least someone who could use magic the same way as me. That wasn't going to happen.
Sora slapped my back. I stumbled forward.
"Cheer up! Your magic is great! There's no need to worry about anything,"
I gave him a fake smile.
"I suppose."
The path elevated into a ramp, leading to what looked like a tunnel. Made of brick, it acted as a lookout over Hollow Bastion. The sun was starting to drop, casting shadows over the country. I leaned against the open square that was a make-shift window.
"Look at that."
I jumped at the sound of Leon's voice. I didn't see him standing in the corner.
We directed our eyes down. What I mistook for shadows was actually a sea of Heartless. I leaned farther over, glimpsing their beasty yellow eyes. I let out a gasp. Fighting against that many would be the death of me.
"We want to restore Hollow Bastion to what it used to be. Who knows-maybe even something better. There's still a lot to do, but I'm sure we can handle everything. Except for that," He nodded towards the Heartless hoard below us, then the two Dusks walking in the direction of the castle in the distance.
"We'll handle 'em!" Sora once again volunteered us.
I shot him a look. I didn't want to battle an army that size.
"Well, that's good to hear. So Sora, do you know what's going on, then?"
Sora nodded.
"There's this guy, Pete, who's been going around plotting with the Heartless. But he's not smart enough to tie his own shoes. The ones we need to worry about are the Nobodies."
"And Organization XIII," I added. I had every intention of destroying them.
I let out a breath. The air seemed to grow chill. The others didn't seem to notice, but I could pick up the presence of magic any day.
"You called?" A male voice cooed.
I spun around, a spark flickering to life in my palm. Sora and Leon couldn't determine the source of the voice either.
"You're doing well,"
I bit my lip, my heart speeding up.
"Who's that!" Sora's Keyblade flashed to life in his hand. I took it as a queue, and the spark grew to a fireball.
"The girl is still alive? This calls for a celebration..."
Several Dusks stepped out of their own portals. I flinched back as more came to life, separating us. Sora dropped into a stance ready for fighting. Leon whipped a sword-like weapon off his back and readied himself. I stood closest to the path leading into town. I caught a glance at the gate; the only thing stopping the Dusks from invading.
I jumped and linked my fingers through the iron. The rough metal dug into my skin, scratching it. I bit my lip, using my weight to pull the gate down.
"Alice!" Sora cried.
I spun, a Dusk a foot away from me. Its limbs were long and sharp, its arm was posed ready to stab through me. I thrust my hand out, blasting it with fire. The creature fell backwards, and met its end. Two more stood in its place. The one on the right fell forward, its face slamming into the ground. Leon's weapon was pointed at it. I gave him a nod, and set the one on the left on fire.
A bigger Nobody stumbled forward. I threw a fireball at it, but the magic just bounced off and wisped out of existence. I swallowed, trying to use ice. Same thing. With the roof over head, lightning wouldn't work. I could try, but I ran the risk of killing everyone if I missed. What else could I do? My water spells never worked.
The Nobody charged forward. It stood a foot and a half taller than me. I couldn't see its eyes; they were hidden behind a helmet. My eyes dropped to the small gap between the helmet and the amour on its body. I would have to aim for that.
I ran at the Nobody, a fireball in my hand. It raised its arm to hit me, but I was slightly faster. I jumped, slamming my hand against the Nobody's face. The fire spread under the armor. I fell to my knees, re-scratching my injured knee.
The Nobody fell backwards onto its back, and died.
I panted, relieved Leon finished off the last one.
"Ugh," I groaned. My new clothes were now dirty.
Sora offered me a hand, hauling me up. My legs shook from adrenaline. I gave him a shaky smile.
"Good thinking with the gate,"
I nodded.
Leon hauled the gate up with ease. We walked under it. Once out, Leon latched it into place.
"The Keyblade...a truly marvelous weapon. Were it only in more...capable hands..." The same voice as before dripped in mocking.
Several voices laughed.
We spun around, but there was nobody.
"Show yourselves!" I demanded.
A figure garbed in a black cloak wisped into existence.
My heart raced. I recognized the cloak anywhere. The lone Nobody raised its arms. Five other figures, all matching the first, appeared behind him. Some tall, some short, I didn't care. I would kill them all for what they did to Faerydae.
"Organization XIII," I hissed.
"Good! Now we can settle this!" Sora dropped into a fighting stance, his usual smile long gone. It was replaced with a hard line of determination.
"What a shame," The man in the center said. "And here I thought we could be friends."
Just as fast as they appeared, the group vanished with a final laugh. My fingernails dug into my palm, cutting my flesh. I ignored the pain.
"Stop!" Donald called, running forward. His aim seemed to be the set of stair that led to where the group had been.
An Organization XIII member stepped out of a portal to stand in front of Donald.
"What's the big idea!?" Cried the duck.
I tried to slow my breathing. It was growing faster, and with each breath, sparks were starting to fly around my hands. If I couldn't calm myself, they would grow to be blazes.
"Oopsy-daisy!"
My eyes searched the hooded figure, looking for anything I recognized. His voice was different from the one that attacked my home. That didn't change anything, though.
"Move, or I will kill you where you stand." I relaxed my fingers a little. The sparks still grew. If I could get to the rest of their group and find the culprit, even just a name, it would mean everything.
"Now, do you think that's polite, shutting me down like that? I thought you would have better manners, princess." His smug voice gave the impression he was laughing under the hood. My sparks faltered at the nickname princess.
"Get outta the way!" Sora seemed just as mad as I was. He pointed the Keyblade to the man's chest, threatening him. The man shrugged, letting his arms dangle to his side.
"As if! Why don't I remind you how tough the crowd you're dealing with really is?"
Sora lowered the Keyblade a little.
"Remind me?" Shaking off his confusion, he returned to his stance, the anger evident on his face. His blue eyes seemed to glow.
The cloaked man laughed once again. He was acting too relaxed.
"That's right, he used to give me that same exact look. Be a good boy now!"
"Wait!" I lunged at the man as the portal grew. My sparks weren't huge, but I still cast them towards him. He disappeared a moment before they could make contact. My sparks crashed into the wall behind where he had been, fizzing out of existence.
I dug my foot into the ground, angry.
"That was weird." Sora shook his head. "Who gave him the same look?"
Goofy rubbed his chin.
"Y'know, I think he was just tryin' to confuse ya."
Sora's smile returned.
"Yeah, you're right. Only one me!" He gave me a thumbs up. I tried to push my lips into a grin, but the thought of being so close to Organization XIII and unable to do anything bothered me.
Sora reached into one of his many pockets.
"Thank goodness! I thought it might have slipped out during the fighting. The Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee Honorary Member-"
I gasped.
The card started to glow. Sora let go of it, and it began to float in the air. The Keyblade started glowing in return.
"Magic?" I asked. I had never seen anything like it before.
The card glowed brighter. Surrounding the card grew to be what looked like a keyhole.
"Gawrsh, ya think...?"
I nodded, agreeing with Goofy's thoughts. It must have been one of the keyholes Yen Sid mentioned.
Sora pointed the Keyblade at the hole. A loud click echoed over us. The card lost its shine, and felt to the ground like nothing happened.
"Oh boy!" Donald quacked happily, already trying to run towards the ship.
"Sorry to run, Leon, but other worlds are calling." Sora gave him a salute, and pocketed his membership card. Leon nodded, glancing at the space Organization XIII stood.
"Organization XIII... They look tough. Be careful out there."
Sora, Donald and Goofy started running for the ship. I turned back to Leon before joining them.
"Thank for everything."
His nod was his way of sending us off.
"Ahh…" Sora dropped on the couch. "I'm exhausted."
I nodded, agreeing.
Donald and Goofy returned to the front of the ship to pilot. I hoped it would be days before we reached the next world. I wanted to rest and take a long, hot bath.
"Hey, what's that? Weeds?" Sora glanced at the handful of herbs in my hand.
"I found them growing between two bricks. Sikilen! Can you believe it?"
Sora's eye brows bunched together. He clearly didn't understand why I was so happy with some weeds I found.
"These are important for making Tents and Elixirs. I thought I could dry half, and plant the other. I still don't have enough to make either items, but-"
"You know what all the plants look like?" He interrupted.
"Yes, and, if I can find more in our travels, I will be able to make just about anything."
Sora seemed happy enough with that. He dropped his head on a pillow, and was asleep in seconds. I made my way to the bathroom, and ran a bath. I dumped in a few drops of bubble bath, savoring the smell.
All this fighting left me filthy.
I sunk into the hot water, letting it relax my aching legs.