Kingdom Hearts: When Worlds Collide
*Disclaimer: All rights go to their respective owners and companies. This is an adopted story which I wrote many years ago, but now with updated references and story. Please enjoy! *
Chapter 2: N Brio
Sora, Donald and Goofy continued walking towards the light in the distance. As they walked through the deserted environment, they were being stalked by a shadowy figure.
They reached their destination and found that the light was coming from what could only be a castle. "Hmm, I wonder who lives here." Goofy said puzzlingly, looking up at the tall structure. "Well, gathering we have seen or heard no one on this world… probably no one, you big palooka", Donald said teasingly looking up at Goofy. Sora on the other hand stood frozen looking at the castle in front of them, he felt a weird feeling inside, something wasn't right. "I feel like something isn't right here?" Donald and Goofy turned to their friend with interest. "What do you mean, asked Donald?" Sora couldn't really explain it, but he felt that he had been here before. "I feel like I've been here, but to my knowledge I've never been here". Donald and Goofy shrugged at Sora's comment. "We have been on so many adventures, maybe it reminds you of places from our past." Explained Donald, making sure Sora was ok. Sora smiled and nodded, "You're probably right". Donald and Goofy nodded in agreement and they began to walk to the main entrance. Sora followed behind but felt very uncomfortable entering this structure.
"What do they want with that crazy, old dingbat anyways?" The shadowy figure thought. "I need to get in and check this out". The figure again followed the three into the building, allowing themselves not to be caught out. "If I'm seen, I'm going to be toast!"
The three made their way up the staircase of the tall castle, trying to find out where that light was coming from. "If I can remember, the light came from the highest point of this castle", Goofy clarified. "Thanks for making that clear with us Goofy," Sora said sarcastically. Donald had a little chuckle to himself, but Goofy completely ignored it. As they reached the top, they saw a sign next to the door. "Lavatory, gosh that's some way to go for the bathroom", Again Goofy clarified. Sora looked at the sign, but once again Goofy's intellect let him down. "It reads 'Laboratory', not Lavatory!" Sora laughed. Donald again chuckled at his friend expense, but Goofy also joined in with the amusements. "Gosh, sorry guys it's so dark in here, I misread it". After the gang shared a laugh, they entered the lab; and what they found within was very disturbing. The laboratory was empty, but the vibe coming from the place felt like many innocent lives were harmed here. "This place gives me the creeps", explained Donald feeling very cautious. Sora looked around, and saw cages to his left. They all had names of animals on them. "Guys, I think we have stumbled upon an animal testing site". Donald and Goofy looked shocked, and very disturbed. "What kind of person would do this?" Questioned Goofy, feeling very sad inside. Donald looked very angry, how could people get away with this? Sora read out some of the animals listed on the cages, "Wombat", "Crocodile", "Dingo", "Tiger", "Duck"… Donald's heart sank when he heard the word Duck. "Oh nuts, why did it have to be a duck?"
As the three explored further, they could feel a presence within the lab. The three looked around and could feel something was close, and summoned their weapons. "Looks like we have company", stated Sora summoning his trusty keyblade. As they searched their surroundings for that mysterious aura, a voice came from the shadows. "You have finally arrived, incredible!"
From the shadows, entered a short and weird looking man. He had rough skin, and two bolts coming from his neck. He laughed uncontrollably when he saw our heroes. "You've reached my humble abode, but why are you here that's the question hmmm". Sora, Donald, and Goofy looked freaked out from the man's warped figure and personality. "What do you mean we have finally arrived?" "Who are you, have you been spying on us?" Asked Sora angrily. He already had a weird experience earlier, he didn't want another. "Fear not Sora, master of the keyblade I bring you no harm, well not these days. My days of fighting and being a force of evil are over, thanks to my old, stubborn and traitorous partner, Dr Neo Cortex." "Oh his name, his name brings such anger to me!" The man became enraged by his former's name, he looked like he was ready to explode with anger. However, to calm down, he took a vile he held in his hand and drunk the substance inside. Instantly, he calmed down. "Sorry, I had to calm down before I introduce myself to my famous guests". Sora, Donald, and Goofy didn't know whether to be afraid, confused or in hysterics from this comical character. "So, what's your name?" Asked Goofy, trying to show some sort of composure. "Heavens I'm sorry, so rude of me. My name is Doctor Nitrous Brio, and I'm glad you have arrived here – I've got to get some things off my chest!"
The doctor took the three further into his laboratory, walking past machines and inventions the doctor has worked on from the past. "Over there is my evolvo ray, oh oh, and there is my chemistry set…. Fascinating stuff". "That's great Doc, but we have to know why you are so keen to meet us, and were you responsible for shooting down our ship?" Sora asked, a little baffled by the Doctor's sense of excitement. Once Sora asked the question, the Doctor became serious. His playful and somewhat animated nature changed. "Sora, Donald, Goofy… this is hard to explain and you will think I am even more insane, but I know so much about the heartless and their origins – I feel you won't believe me". Sora and the gang looked bewildered by Brio's comments, and became very intrigued on what he had to say. "So, what is there to know?" Donald asked impatiently. "Yeah Doc, spill the beans", Goofy added. Brio walked towards a large window, and looked out of it. He could see miles and miles of ocean. "This place was home to mine and Cortex's experiments in the past, we tried to create the perfect army of brainwashed, enhanced super animals. We worked for years on building the perfect creations, some a success. Others not so much". Brio turned his head, and looked Sora dead in his eyes from a distance. "However, this all changed when Xehanort came to visit".
(Flashback)
"Oh Master Xehanort, you are too kind", smiled Cortex. "It is true though, you are a genius Doctor", said Xehanort eagerly. The two men walked side by side, through the laboratory of Cortex and Brio's mad house. "Tell me Cortex", asked Xehanort looking down at the smaller man, "Have you had any failures in the past?" Cortex's face began to show frustration by the comment. "Well, there is a certain Bandicoot who keeps ruining my plans". "Oh I hate that Bandicoot, so much". "He was supposed to lead my Cortex Commandos to world domination, but he failed in the Cortex Vortex before escaping!" Xehanort looked at Cortex and showed some compassion to his new ally's problem. "Where is he now?" ….. Cortex stopped and signed, clutching his large head with pain. "He is currently trying to penetrate this castle, but my henchmen shall put an end to him!" "Do you want me to intervene and stop him?" Xehanort asked, willing to help Cortex with his rodent problem. Cortex smiled, but again sighed. "It's ok my dearest Xehanort, you are here for business, not an exterminator, my lackeys will deal with him".
The two evil men sat down at a table, and began to discuss a very important assignment. "Cortex, I am very impressed with your work and what you have done here." "I want you to help me with a project". Cortex's eye lit up with excitement. "Of course, what can I help you with?"
Xehanort summoned a small jar from the shadows, the jar contained something surely evil inside. "Behold, pure concentrated darkness". Cortex looked thrilled with the substance inside, and wanted to learn more. "Oh my lord, it looks pure evil – I like it!" "Good, I'm glad you like it. This is a gift to you from me". "You see Cortex, Darkness cannot be destroyed, it can only be channelled. I want you to take this darkness, and make sure you rule over your world with such power". Cortex took the jar and examined it more closely. "Remember Cortex, when this world is engulfed by the darkness, we shall rule it together!" Cortex nodded and got down from his jar and shook the hand of Xehanort. "Together, we shall destroy the light and stop pests just like Crash Bandicoot, together we shall be unstoppable".
(Flashback ends)
"So let me get this straight", Asked Sora furiously. "You worked with Xehanort to create darker creatures, and didn't think about the consequences of something you surely couldn't control". Sora was ready to hurt N Brio, for working with their enemy and someone who wants to engulf Kingdom Hearts into Darkness. "We have travelled worlds to stop him, but if he has travelled this far to other planets, who else has he contacted with plans of darkness and destruction?" "Sora, I never got the chance to work with the substance, as soon as Xeonhart left the lab; Crash had infiltrated us. This building went up in flames under Cortex's wrath and the dark ooze went missing". "I had to rebuild this old castle from the ruins to start again, and make sure Cortex's future experiments would never see the light of day". Brio's words seemed genuine to the heroes, and Sora calmed down. His keyblade disappeared and Sora walked up to Brio, gazing through the window. "The ooze is still out there somewhere, and I'm not even sure if Cortex has it or not?"
Donald and Goofy walked to the window also, and joined in on viewing the calm sea on such a disserted world. "This world once thrived with life, but due to Cortex's rage and time-paradoxes, this world seeks to collapse. I call this this old wumpa islands, which was once home to Crash, Cortex, and myself." …"So, Where is the new world now?" Donald asked. Brio turned to Donald, and pointed to the wall. The wall was filled with astronomy notes, and scientific mumbo jumbo. "The new wumpa islands is not far from here, maybe one or two planets over". "It was created thanks to some timey-wimey stuff and voodoo magic from a with-doctor called Aku-Aku many years ago. " "Sounds like a giant plot hole", laughed Sora. "Sounds like a load of hoopla to me Doc", said Goofy unconvinced. Brio smiled reluctantly, "Trust me, it does sound weird but these things can happen. For instance, I know about Destiny Island Sora, tell me something… things must have changed when it was sucked into darkness?" Sora thought long and hard, but couldn't think of many changes. "I can't think of anything specific changing, but perhaps there could be something I've missed?" Brio nodded, "Maybe you are right, but maybe you are wrong. Life's many mysteries." "But Sora, something big is happening in our universe, and you need to make sure to stop whatever is happening to it". Sora looked confused but knew Brio's waffling would make sense sooner or later.
"Where is Cortex, I am starting to get bored with this waiting!" Said Bowser, as the giant koopa reptile becoming frustrated.
"I agree with Bowser, where is he?" Asked Doctor Eggman, stroking his large moustache eager to hear the news of Cortex.
"He will be back soon, he had to take care of some business", answered N Tropy. "Be patient, I have to hear this news also, and trust me he has been tight lipped".
"He hasn't told you?" Questioned Loki, the God of Mischief and step brother of Thor, God of Thunder. "Aren't you his bitch?" Loki chuckled, which lead the other villains to laugh.
"Very funny, tell me Loki… how is it ruling Asgard?" N Tropy snapped back
"At least I have a chance of ruling an empire, rather than being mistaken for a knock off Steven Strange!" Loki responded.
The two villains looked like they were ready to blow, when Cortex entered the room.
"Oh there was a piece of lettuce in the urinal… who eats a sandwich going to the bathroom?" Cortex said in disgust.
"I would", laughed Wario. "We know you would, you disgusting little man", instantly replied Loki.
Wario glared at Loki, and blushed. "Thank you for the compliment, waaahahah!"
Cortex stood in front of his table of evil and began to speak about his much eager plans for domination. "Friends, I have a plan to end all plans. With my master idea, we can crush our foes and become rulers over the worlds… or realms in Loki's case". "Tell me doctor, asked Eggman… "What are these plans of yours?" Cortex's face lit up and he presented his idea, through holograms. "You see it's very simple, may years ago I received a gift from an old partner of mine. His gift was concentrated darkness which has not been seen over this side of the universe". Cortex presented the jar of darkness in front of his villainous clan. Bowser picked up the jar and looked inside. "Looks interesting, but tell me… what will it do?" Cortex began to explain. "Well, my dear friends this vile substance can help create the perfect army to face our enemies, and begin our plans to crush the entire galaxy."
The evil geniuses looked very interested in Cortex's idea, and they soon knew what he was thinking. "So, we take this substance and create our own army of super creatures to destroy and conquer?" Loki asked. "Exactly", Cortex replied. "Master Xehanort has given us the power to control these dark creatures, and create our own hybrids to crush our competition." The evil in the room began to cheer in glee, soon their enemies would feel the wrath of their power. "Excellent, soon Sonic will be nothing but ash!" "Mario will be destroyed". "The Avengers will be no more". "Wahhh, Ima gonna wina!" "And I can rule over all time and space, no one can stop us!"
Before Cortex could finish delivering more of his speech, there was an incoming call. "Gentlemen, it seems we have a call from one of my many henchmen". Cortex answered the call, and the underling of Cortex popped up on the hologram. "Yes, Dingodile… what is it?" Dingodile's face appeared on the hologram and gave some interesting news. "Sorry for calling you boss, but I've spotted the keyblade warrior and his mates, going into your old castle on the 'old wumpa islands'. They have got talking to the old coot, and looks like your plans might not be so secret after all". Cortex stroked his goatee, and thought long and hard about this problem. "That shouldn't be a problem, Brio has no idea about the location of the ooze. But this is a problem if that Sora is coming for us"…. "What should I do boss?" Asked Dingodile. "Get off that planet, and hit him where it hurts. Got to Destiny Islands, and cause as much chaos as you can". Dingodile smirked at the idea, "get out the butter, I'm gonna make toast!" "Oh and if you can, please bring the princess to me… I have something planned for her!" Cortex ended the message and looked at his evil brethren. "Friends, tonight we celebrate like it's the late 1990s. A time which was good to me, and once the princess is captured… we can begin our evil plotting". Cortex began to chuckle with such evilness, the other villain's began to join in. Their plan was soon to be in full swing, and the start of darkness would begin.
"Sora, Donald, and Goofy. Please be careful out there, Cortex will have a lot of tricks up his sleeve" N Brio warned. "He has made new allies, each one more destructive and crazy at the last." Sora smiled, "Do not worry Doc, we have faced mad titans before – we have this covered".
"So, how do we get of this planet?" Donald asked worriedly. "Yeah, we need to get going to start our journey, but with no ship we are stuck", Goofy replied. N Brio smiled and pointed to a massive pad on the floor. "Boys, hop on the pad. I can teleport you out of here and back to somewhere safer". Sora and the gang smiled and walked onto the pad. But, before Sora could join his friends on the warp pad, Brio stopped him. "Sora, take this with you". Brio handed over a small box, and Sora looked at it puzzled. "This is one of the most powerful entities within the universe, look after it and for the love of god, and do not open it until you get it to Leon". Sora was still confused, heck he didn't know how Brio knew Leon; but obliged to the Doctor's orders. Sora walked over to the pad, and all three stood there ready to go. "I can send you to Transverse Town, there you can meet with your other friends". Sora nodded, and in the blink of an eye Brio hit the switch and they teleported away from the castle, and old Wumpa Islands. "Good luck Sora, you are going to need it!"
"Where am I? Is anyone out there?"
"Nothing but darkness, a familiar place but nothing like this?" "I feel used and creeped out by this type of darkness". "Who am I, what is my purpose?" "I have past flash backs, but I don't connect to them, just like photo's but no memories to them". Who am I, why am I here?"
"Brain waves are becoming much more rapid, we need to calm him down". "Quickly, add the sedative before he wakes". "We cannot risk another failed experiment…. Cortex will kill us".
"He is calming down, is it time to add the secret ingredient?" "Yes, add the ooze to the experiment, and let the darkness cloning begin".