Fashion and volunteering
My eyes snapped open as I gasped and sat bolt upright in my bed. I felt cold sweat running along my hairline and neck. Running a hand along the edge of my hair line, I closed my eyes for a moment while I took a few deep breaths and concentrated on lowering my heart rate. Running a shaky hand through my hair, I thought about what had just transpired in my head. I don't think I'm going to want anymore dreams like that if I keep waking up like this. I let out one last breath before laying back down, relaxing on the bed.
Turning onto my side, I moved my gaze over to the other bed to see that it was already empty and made and that the Earth book was lying next to me on the sheets. I closed my eyes again with a groan, turning onto my back. My head was throbbing. A headache right in the front of my brain. I raised a hand and pressed it lightly against the ache. Jeez, it hurts. You know what, I'm not so sure about these telepathic dreams anymore. Namine can just call me from now on. After I get a phone. And she gets a phone. Are there even phones in this universe? I wonder what time it is...
Groaning, again, I kicked the warm blankets off of me and stood on the cool stone. Slow, so as not to irritate my headache. I lifted my arms in a stretch and cracked my neck and back. I sighed as the ache began to slip from my head. As I was glancing down, something dark caught my eye. I looked to see the army gray cross-body back pack at the foot of my bed on the floor. Huh... I thought as I bent over to lift it up. Guess the dream was real. Not that I though it wasn't. It's just that holding the bag made it more realistic, that's all.
Finding the bronze zipper on the side, I unzipped the larger part of the bag and peered into the dark depths. Well, that's strange. There's nothing in it. I unzipped the rest of the pockets. Nothing, at all. I turned it upside down on the bed and jumped in surprise as things suddenly started to tumble onto the surface of the bed. Wide eyed, I dropped the now empty bag on the bed and examined the objects.
The first things I noticed were the lumps of cloth and leather in the pile. I picked up the dark gray cotton and held it in front of me to see that it was a cowl turtle neck sweater with long sleeves that widened at the hands. It was my size. In the mess was also a black denim skirt that looked to stop mid thigh. A black leather, sleeveless, hoodie vest and one black fingerless glove/armguard for my left arm was also in the pile. Along with black opaque nylons and a pair of black boots that should stop below my knees. Well, it was an interesting outfit, to say the least.
The rest of the clutter on the bed was an assortment of various pencils, pastels, paints, brushes, and pens. I reached over and lifted the silver covered sketch book off the bed.
"I guess it's a good thing I brought this, now that I know that you are like me, you'll need this."
She was right. I needed this. The need to delve into a new world of drawings, to sketch the most beautiful things I see, these needs have been pulling at me for awhile. Especially since I've been here, in this universe. But stronger yet, is the longing to gaze into one's life and memories to draw what I see there... the urge was almost impossible to deny. This longing sacred me. These new abilities...I know nothing about them. A power I hadn't noticed before rested on the very edge of my thoughts. With just the slightest slip up in my concentration, I could lose my hold on it. But then again, this power was amazing. The things I could do with it... If I ever wield this unwisely, I might as well just be a foolish child who has found their fathers gun. I thought as I set the sketch pad back on the bed. I have no clue what kind of power I'm holding...
Closing my eyes and sighing through my nose, I snatched up my new shirt, skirt, and nylons and went to the bathroom to get ready for whatever this day held. I brushed my hair, teeth, and washed the tiredness from my face. I stripped and slipped on the new clothes. They were really comfortable and maneuverable. My old outfit was sitting on a shelf in the bathroom, folded and clean with the flats next to it. Kaity's outfit was there as well. Thinking for a moment, I grabbed the two outfits and took them out of the bathroom.
I went out and put the sketch book and various art supplies back into the bag with the clothes. Just then, a light rapid knock came from the door.
"Come in." I said with my back to the door as I stuffed Kaity's jacket into the bag. The door clicked open and light footsteps entered the silent room. I knew it wasn't Kaity, because she would have burst in.
"Hey, I was sent up here to make sure you were up. Again." Roxas said as he walked in. He sounded tired. "Where did you get that?"
I looked up at him and to where he was looking and back to what I was doing. "It was a gift." I stated simply. I couldn't tell him I got it from Namine. Why? It's none of his business where I get my things. Yes, that's rude. But it's true.
Sensing that I didn't want to discuses my new looks and accessories, he went over to sit on Kaity's empty bed. He relaxed and just continued to watch me pack up and get ready. It was really disturbing, actually. I could feel his eyes watching me. Does he ever blink? Awkwardness settled in me as he stared. Just stared. Just stared and watched me as I moved and packed and-OMG, this is creepy! Alright, the dude is awesome, unbelievably cute/hot and everything, but he is seriously creeping me out right now. I shuddered and turned to face him.
Our eyes met, blue to green, unblinkingly. Almost like it was a staring contest. I don't know why I didn't look away. My mind kept telling me too, but I didn't. We stayed like that for a moment. I tried to pull my gaze away, but his eyes... a girl could get lost in them and never find her way out. They were like the sky. A beautiful blue sky, shielding you from the wonders and secrets of the universe that resides on the others side from the naked eye. Sigh. Yup, that's me. The glorious poet of our time and foolish school girl falling head over heels for the hottest guy in the school.
Roxas smiled, half smiled actually, but it was enough. I blinked in momentary surprise and quickly looked away to busy myself with putting on my new boots so that he couldn't see the blush I knew covered my cheeks. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him fall back and lie comfortably on the bed. He closed his eyes and put his hands under his head. It was very Sora like. I finished with my boots and looked up at him.
"So, um, I don't mean to sound rude or anything," I said attentively while brushing some hair behind my ear, "But why are you still in here?"
He cracked open an eye to look at me.
"I, uh, I just mean, why aren't you down there with Sora. You know, discussing stuff or something" Nervousness was making me stutter and ramble. By the way, I tend to ramble a lot. It's a horrible habit. "You don't have to be up here waiting on me. I'm sure you don't want too."
"Actually, yes, I do." He said while closing his eyes again. "It's much too stressful down there. All the anxiety clogging the air was giving me a headache. It's calmer up here. I find that I seem to relax more when I'm around you. I know, that's weird for me to say when I hardly know you."
"Just a bit." I said while slipping on the black armguard. At least my arm won't get welts now. "Why do you suppose that is?"
"I don't know." He murmured. "It's probably your aura or something. Its different then anyone's I've ever been in. It's... serene, yet wild. Unsettling, yet comfortable. Powerful, but tame. It kind of reminds me of being around Namine."
Oh, yeah. Well, that's fitting. Me being some part of Namine and all. I slipped on my necklace and slung my bag over my head to lay across my chest and my bow along with it.
"Alright, let's go." I said in a sigh as I walked to the door. Roxas got up and followed me out. He walked a few steps behind me as we made our way down stairs.
Not long after, we came upon the other three gathered in the courtyard. Roxas helped me close the heavy door. Turning around, I spotted Riku in a odd place. He was perched on one of the high hedges looking down at something. I guess he heard us come through the door because he turned and acknowledged Roxas and I, then turned back around. Now that I was in the area, the sounds of grunts, yells, and sharp clattering and clanging came from around the corner of the hedge Riku was on. I walked up to the corner of the hedge and poked my head around the corner of the leafy wall.
Sora was jumping and dodging about the area with his keyblade out (in kingdom form) swinging it around. Then, as Sora rolled to the side, I saw Kaity trying to keep up and while lunging and dodging with a fancy foil she must have created with her gloves. Foils are the swords you use when you're learning how to swordfight. I felt Roxas come stand next to me and watch them spar. Then Kaity did this whole wild jump/kick move on Sora that had him stumbling back into the hedge where I was standing. I side stepped at the last second into Roxas so that he fell back mercilessly on to the thorny hedge instead of me.
Both of them were panting for breath and sweat glistened on their skin. Sora looked up at me from the seat of thorns he made and grinned, "What to join?"
"No thanks," I said coolly after taking in their state. "I'm long ranged."
He shrugged and started to pull himself from the hedge, wincing at the thorns. "Suit yourself."
Riku jumped effortlessly down to the grass in front of us, "Roxas and Sam are here, finally. It's time to head out." In my head, I was whacking him over the head.
Kaity dropped the foil while wiping the back of her hand across her forehead. The object disappeared in a shimmer of light before it hit the ground. She shuffled over to me to say a quick good morning before backing up a bit and examining my new outfit.
"Interesting look." She said after a minute. I noticed that the guys were leaving us behind, so I started after them with Kaity by my side. "A gift?" She said with a meaningful look.
"Yup." I said off handedly. "She also gave me a sketchbook and supplies." I gently hit the side of the bag to indicate where they were. I glanced sideways at what she was wearing. "What about you? From Kairi?"
"Yuppers." She confirmed. She was wearing a pair of white cargo pants with a vibrant purple strip running down the sides of each pant leg and an elegant bronze design that climbed up just past her knee. Her shoes closely resembled Kairi's from the first Kingdom Hearts game. Then she had on a black shoulder-less two quarter length sleeve shirt with a vest. The same bronze design on her pants was on the left side of her shirt. The shirt was skin tight and looked maneuverable. Her necklace hung around her neck like mine.
"Nice." I said with a smile. At that moment I remembered that I hadn't told her anything about what happened last night yet: my chat with Riku, the book, or my wacky complicated thing with Dierdra and Namine. But I don't want the boys to eavesdrop on us. Namine did say something about being telepathic with one another...it's worth a shot, I guess.
We reached the Gummi ship entrance in the castle carved hedge bush and we descended into the darkness, following the guys down the dim stairway. Everything echo's in here, so I have to try it. I carefully placed one foot in front of the other on the dark stairs as I focused on channeling my thoughts through the link between me and Kaity. I trailed my hand along the stone wall on my left to keep my balance. There was no rail and it would suck of I fell. I focused on the link. However, I didn't know if we were connected or not. Nothing felt different. Maybe I should, like, say her name or something... Okay...here goes nothing...
Kaity...
The footsteps behind me faltered and staggered down a few steps. I looked over my shoulder to see if she was okay. She was still on her feet, but her eyes were practically popping out of her head staring at me. I jerked my head in a gesture to keep walking. I turned and continued down the stairs of death. There are a lot of stairs here, let me tell you. There must be about twelve floors or something below us still. Jeez, we're going to die. I focused back on Kaity.
I have something very important to tell you. I thought to her, I'd tell you out loud, but the guys would hear us.
Alright, She thought back to me, Tell me, Oh mind-reader. There was a slight ghost of a laugh in her thought.
I'm serious, Kai. I thought sternly. No jokes.
I know, I know. Sorry.
I told her about the strange meeting I had last night with Riku. I told her about his suspicions about us. He saw through our lies. One of us was going to have to tell and explain the truth to him sooner or later. The whole truth. And sooner would probably be better than later.
I'll tell him. Kaity piped in.
You sure? I asked. Can you handle that?
Sam, honestly, do you know who you are talking too?
Yeah, yeah, I grumbled. Okay, you can tell him what I'm about to tell you, but just wait until the right moment to do it, alright?
Yup.
Then I continued on to tell her how I discovered the password and unlocked the book. I told her the secrets that I had found in the book of our home world. She had stopped walking at one point or another. I told her about my meeting with Namine in my dream and what she said to me. I kept the crossroads thing to myself. It's no one's business what road I end up choosing. Although, I don't quite know what that road is yet...
Kairi came to me in my dream last night, too. Kaity said when I was done.
That's what Namine said. I recalled, What did she say?
She just told me that she was my other and that you would explain what that meant later. She stated simply. Oh, and that we can be all telepathic and everything, but only when we want to be.
Okay.
I silently rejoiced when my feet touched the Gummi ship platform. Since we had covered all of the important stuff, I severed the mental link between Kaity and I while I walked into the belly of the ship and plopped down heavily into the back seats of the control room. My legs ached. Next time, I'm just going to fall down the stairs. Jumping over the edge is a good alternative as well. The guys closed the hatch as Kaity trailed in behind me and sat next to me. We buckled up and an odd thought struck me.
Where the hell are we even going?
Great. Awesome. I'm so good at knowing the steps before I take them. Points to me.
"Uh, where the heck are we going?" I asked no one in particular.
"Radiant Gardens." Sora answered instantly. "Figured that we would start there. Check up on old friends and all that."
"We can also get the warp drive fixed there as well." Riku added, glaring at Sora briefly. "It will allow us to save time traveling between worlds."
"Ah, So how long will it take to get there without the warp drive?" Kaity asked.
"An hour, maybe less."
Oh, yeah, that's right. Radiant Gardens is practically next to Disney Castle. Cool. No boring long ride.
"You guys are going to want to stay buckled up, though." Sora suggested as he got the ship going and was moving out. I didn't dare try to say something as the ship moved upward in fear of screaming in panic. I closed my eyes and felt Kaity reassuringly press her arm against mine.
"Why?" She asked for me.
"There are a lot of heartless between the worlds." He explained. "Especially between worlds that have more darkness in them than others. So, unless you want to be tumbling about the ship mercilessly, I suggest you stay strapped into your seat."
I almost turned green at the mere thought of cart wheeling through space. Motion sickness is my best friend in any moving vehicle. Except theme park rides. I don't know why. I just don't get sick on them. It's weird. I sat in my seat with my eyes closed trying to find my happy place. Hoping that there weren't many heartless. But you know what? All forces of nature hate me.
We did end up running into heartless. I made it through without getting sick, though. That's a plus for me. I understand now though why Sora isn't allowed to drive. We eventually stopped twirling every which way and Sora cried out that we were there. I opened my eyes and looked out the huge glass dome. Wow. Radiant Gardens actually looks a whole lot better. The restoration crew must be working their butts off. The Gummi ship descended gently through the atmosphere of the world and landed just outside the outskirts of the town. We exited the ship and trekked up the rocky slope to the town.
Kaity and I fell back behind the guys and vaguely followed them as our eyes strained to soak up every detail we could. The roofs of the shops in the square were repaired and looked really nice. The cobblestone ground was crack free and sported no weeds. There was no more construction equipment anywhere in the square. Guess that means the committee is done here.
"This place looks really good." Kaity commented out loud.
"Yeah," I agreed. "It's starting to take on its original appearance before the darkness destroyed it."
The guys led us out of the square shopping district and down a flight of stone stairs that went into a lower level of homes. I guess we're heading to Merlin's house. The house's look a bit more patched up and livable, but they still need to have work done on them. We wove through the maze of homes. The layout of the houses seems to be much vaster then it is in the game. Before long, we came upon a more battered looking house with umbrellas twirling on the roof. Don't ask, I don't know why. It's Merlin's house. He and his weird magic. Now I have that stupid Higitis Figitis song stuck in my head. Perfect.
We didn't stop outside the door like we did Disney Castle. Sora just walked right up to the arched wooded door way and strolled inside. Not even a knock on the door or a "Hey is anyone home?" Don't tell me that we have to find a way back home and teach these boys some manners as well. I'm going to need a ruler, I thought as I walked in behind Kaity.
The inside of Merlin's House looked pretty much the same as it had in the game. Books were scattered and unorganized all over the area, dust and dirt covered almost every surface, and more than a few things were tipped over with their contents scattered across the ground.
Basically what they need is a maid. I did notice, however, that the twin sized bed against the wall had nothing on it for a change and had been made and that a kettle of water had steam slowly rising from it on the stove. Most of the light in the one roomed house was coming from the blinking monitors that covered half of the back wall. Typing frantically over the keyboard (like he always does), was a spiky blond haired guy with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. I should have realized that was why this place smelled so disgustingly like smoke. My lungs don't cooperate very well around large amounts of smoke.
So, there I was, standing just inside the doorway, hacking up a lung when Cid Highwind turned around to see what was causing the noise.
"Why are you causing so much damn noise girl?" Cid hollered as he swiveled around in his chair to yell at me.
"Because of-cough-your-cough-disgusting habit." I went into another round of violent coughs. Kaity hit my back in an attempt to help. I stumbled back to the door way and shoved my head outside to take a deep breath of the fresh air. Once I could breath, I leaned against the doorway where the fresher air was blowing into the house. I shot daggers at Cid. "Open a window or something, Old man!" I shouted at him. Wow. What a great first impression. Blowing my head off at him. I forgot that he smokes.
"Old man-?" He yelled with a start. "Why you little-"
"Cid!" Sora interrupted him by stepping between him and me. "We need some help."
He looked to Sora with surprise. "Sora!" He exclaimed, totally forgetting about me. "Thought we'd seen the last of ya. What kinda help you need?"
"Yeah, well, you know," Sora said putting his hands behind his head. It's a habit. "Heartless to banish, worlds to save. Uh, our Gummi ship needs a new warp drive put in..."
"Wadda ya do to the other one?" Cid narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
Sora laughed nervously as Riku stepped forward to answer the question. "Sora took a joyride and knocked it out."
"Brilliant." He said sarcastically while turning back to whatever he was doing. "There's probably nothin' left of it."
While they had been talking, Kaity went around the room and opened all the windows. She understood my aversion to smoke and went to make a solution. It was a great first impression though, dontcha think?
Sora looked around curiously and turned back to Cid. "Where is everyone?" He asked.
I looked inside when he said this. Usually, Leon, Cloud, Aerith, Yuffie or someone is in there. Huh, where are they?
"On patrol."
"Patrol?" Riku echoed in a question.
"We had to set up a heartless patrol to make sure those creatures were being kept in check." Cid explained. "Those kids have givin' themselves day and night shifts and are wearing themselves the hell out by it. When they're not patrolling, their sleeping. Not enough people to do the shifts."
Oh, no. I watched as Sora got that We-can-help-out look on his face. He's going to volunteer us to patrol for them. Great. I groaned as Sora did just that.
Cid glanced at us out of the corner of his eye before replying, "Sure, why not?" He grunted, shrugging his shoulders. "Talk to Leon about it. He's stationed up at the castle with Aerith today."
"Thanks Cid!" Sora called as he and the others joined me out front. As Riku passed me he rolled his eyes at me for causing a scene earlier. I stuck my tongue out at him.
Sora walked up front with Riku, talking quietly to him. Roxas trailed behind them, piping in to their conversation every now and then. They were being awfully careful not to be over heard. Must be discussing the quest or whatever you want to call it. I don't see why they can't tell us what the king told them. Unless it's, like, about us or something. The way they keep it though makes it feel a top-secret file that can be strictly viewed by only masters of the keyblade. Even though none of them are really Keyblade masters. No worries, though. They have to tell us sooner or later, right?
Yeah... that's what I thought...
We walked through the bailey and down the rubble from the stairs that were destroyed by heartless. No heartless crossed our path as we walked. Guess someone on patrol just passed through here and cleaned the area. When we reached the ground level, we veered right and continued down the pathway that leads through the castle construction zone. Everything was so familiar. It took almost everything I had not to run headlong down the cobble stone path to the castle. I can't show that I know anything about where I am. It's really frustrating.
It took us awhile to reach the castle. I hadn't expected it to take this long, but I should have. In the game, they cut out time consuming walks from one place to another. Definitely something to remember. Plus we're walking. Sora rarely walks anywhere in the game. I guess it's time for me to get into shape. I should probably should learn some combat fighting, too. I'm not totally defenseless though. I know some basic moves from friends who have taken Jujitsu, Ti Kwando, and Karate. Other than that though, I'm toast. Maybe Sora or Riku can teach me some moves. Something to ask later.
Once we were in the castle, we navigated our way through a maze of hallways to find a smallish room at the end of one. It was Ansem the Wise's study. I expected it to be the cluttered mess that it had been in the game, but it was straightened up and clean. Glass objects lined up on the shelves next to some books that all seemed to refer to the heart in one way or another. Over on the other side of the room, a tall man of maybe, I don't know, twenty something stood by the entrance to the secret room that branched off of the study. He was guarding it. I never thought of Leon as particularly handsome or cute, but there was just something about him that pulled you in. Made you take a second look as he passed by. I always used to think that it was his I'm-tough-as-nails attitude, but now that I've actually seen him... I think it's that feeling you get when you look in his eyes of a person and see a promise of a softer side. A promise that holds together such an expression and grace his moves. But I don't know... It's Leon. You never know what to expect.
"Hey, Leon!" Sora called with a smile, running up to him.
Leon looked over to us and gave us one of his rare smiles. "Well, if it isn't the Keyblade master returned." His eyes shifted to take in the rest of us behind Sora. "And I see you brought more friends."
Sora smiled, "Yup! This is Riku, Roxas, Kaity, and Sam." He gestured to each of us in turn. "Guys, this is Leon. He's in charge of the Radiant Garden restoration committee."
We waved and spoke various hellos while Leon nodded in hello back. His attention went back to Sora. "What can I do for you? I'm assuming that you didn't just drop in to say hello, being so busy with saving the worlds and all."
Sora sheepishly smiled. "Well, we are on a mission at the moment, but we don't have a game plan yet. We heard about your heartless situation and figured that we'd help out while we're here."
"That's great." Leon said, "We could use the help. Check into one of the local Hotels and report to Merlin's house tomorrow morning. Then we'll send you guys onto patrol."
"Alright," Sora said happily. "We'll be there. See you later!"
Sora turned with a wave and walked out of the room. Kaity and I fell behind again, but remained silent as we walked. It was a quiet trip to the hotel. Hardly anything was said.
So tomorrow, we would be sent out to fight heartless. Alright, Cool. Awesome. There's just one problem...
I have no clue how to fight off a heartless.