TN & TUH: Sorry that this chapter is one day early! Also, sorry that is not I'ltorien only, like we promised. That chapter is now chapter 17. So, with that out of the way, let the fluff commence!
TUH: I don't have anything to say.
TN: Obviously, since I wrote everything, including I'ltorien . . .
TN & TUH: Remember, we do not own Disney, Square Enix, or any other companies' work or characters. We simply like to tell stories with them.
Enjoy and review!
Chapter XVI
Sweet Sixteen
I'ltorien
August 12, 2010
Argovaron sighed as he looked out onto the Empire's capital, Avéladré. He stood on Emperor Mateus' balcony, looking as the wind swept over his bald head. He scratched his silver goatee with a ringed finger, looking out to the sea that the capital bordered from the south. The northern sea stretched out far, the only break in the horizon being some islands of pure rock. His hand rested on the pommel of his sword. Ah, his sword was one of the most extravagant swords in all of I'ltorien. The hilt was silver, a ruby sitting in its center. The handle was wrapped in black steel until it reached the white pommel, another ruby embossed in it. The blade itself, well, that was difficult. The blade changed color depending on the spiritual mood of the wielder. He looked down at it in its black sheath. He gripped the handle and watched as it turned into a washy blue. He was calm. He heard the doors bang open with sudden ferocity, and his blade steamed to a dull yellow, laced with bits of red, but it faded as he let go. He had been doting on how he had earned this sword, nearly 2,000 years ago.
Mateus stormed in, closely followed by a tall Vysril. The Vysril seemed agitated by Mateus, a feeling that Argovaron could easily relate to. This Vysril was Hexrin, the third eldest of his clan. There were only seven Vysrils left in the nation of I'ltorien. Well, one of the seven known Vysrils. The demon spawn of Seltra herself didn't quite count. Those abominations and their cults were worthless and too dangerous. Luckily they lived far off by the Vale Rift of Schrade. The Cults of Seltra lived in the Valley of Lost Mist, west of the Vale Rift. The demon spawn, the Zexlites, were sealed away in the Trench of Seltra on the east of the Vale Rift and just above the Astarath Desert. Only Morvlan, the eldest of the Vysrils could unleash the Zexlites with the use of a Luxarian Orb, which was heavily guarded within the Tower of Ahkthra. The Tower of Ahkthra was once the legendary home of the God Ahkthra and his Goddess wife, Seltra. Their children were the Seven Vysrils and then in a ritual of demonic beliefs gone wrong, the Zexlites were born. If only they had the Zexlites under their control, they could acquire all of I'ltorien and Drisseria, the neighboring nation. But that required the Luxarian Orb, and no one took the Vysril siblings lightly.
"My Lord, Mateus . . . what seems to bother you?" Argovaron asked. Mateus fumed and then pointed a finger violently at Hexrin. Hexrin, like the other Vysrils, was very tall. He was about nine feet tall. Black hair fell around his broad shoulders, and bangs barely concealed his blood red eyes. He smiled and two rows of pointed teeth were exposed. His long and lean limbs were lithe and his hands massaged each other, the hooks of nails protruding violently. He wore black robes that concealed extremely durable yet light armor underneath, no doubt. A curved and slim black sword rested on his hip. The light bounced off his dark, ashy skin.
"Would you please explain to me why a Vysril is in my CITY!? I have not seen ANY progress on Arthas' bane, let alone enough to warrant a break," Mateus snarled. "Of all the people that walk on I'ltorien's face, you are the only one that they seem to listen to and respect, the fools. If it weren't for you, then I'd be forced to eradicate them," Mateus spat.
"I trust you'd find me the reason you live, not the reason they live," Argovaron stated icily. Mateus' face cultivated a look as deep as the abyss.
"You DARE to defy me and mine powers?!" he boomed. Argovaron gave him a small smile and bowed low.
"I am sorry, milord. I was not thinking. I can only hope that you, in all of your wisdom and mercy, can find a way to overlook my foolish mistakes?" he said, staying bowed. Mateus lightened up and sat on his throne.
"Normally, I would not. HOWEVER, it is not every day I can have someone on the caliber of level you are, Argovaron. You and Orlandeu are the only ones who could get away with your actions. Now please, talk with this . . . creature and make it make itself useful. I have seen no worthwhile results in months!" Mateus ordered. "You are the only one that can understand their foul language."
"My master, I would advise you treat them with respect. They are a mighty race," Argovaron advised. Hexrin bowed his head in thanks.
"Yes, and an endangered one. Soon be extinct if they don't earn their existence," Mateus snapped.
"Yes, milord. Ah, Hexrin, how have you been?" Argovaron asked. The Vysril answered back in its own tongue, but it translated to this:
"We have found where the weapon lies. But there is a problem," Hexrin told him.
"And that would be?" Argovaron said, urging him to continue.
"Well, the method of locating it has only allowed us to learn where the general area of it is. It lies somewhere deep within the Zenthir Mountain range," Hexrin explained. Argovaron became suddenly angry and shouted in the Vysril tongue.
"The Zenthir Mountains!? That is quite broad and general! They are massive! The dwarves and the beings that they reside with have long locked away all entrances into the mountains! It may take me another 2,000 years to find it! The last time I went into those mountains I fell into a pit of some unnamed substance! I died! Do you know what it is like to die to only be brought back and immortal!?" Argovaron shouted at Hexrin.
"You'll be wise not to shout at me, Argovaron," Hexrin warned him.
"I am sorry. Forgive my temper. But still, ever since the end of the Great War, those two races have locked themselves into the damned mountains. I can only scarcely imagine where? And even if I somehow found the location of the weapon, it would be too heavily guarded. No doubt he, its original owner, locked it away with heavy protection and trials, let alone that damned race that lives with the dwarves standing in the way!" Argovaron said angrily.
"That is not my problem," Hexrin stated.
"I may be immortal, but a normal blade can still pierce me and bring me down. I need it to assure my immortality! And you, as well as your brothers and sisters, know that if I am immortal, you all will have this realm to do with what you would like! You could make seven kingdoms and rule each, but be warned, I would never hesitate to eliminate a threat," Argovaron said. Hexrin only smiled.
"This partnership works rather well," the Vysril said.
"Indeed. There is one benefit. We have time, that's for sure," Argovaron said with a smile. The Vysril gave a hearty, throaty chuckle, almost like a shrill wind.
"I have been in the dark for too long, speak before I lose my patience," Mateus ordered. His voice was hard and demanding, but it was also highly curious. Argovaron turned and bowed.
"They have located the general area of the Great Weapon," he informed Mateus. That definitely brightened Mateus' mood.
"Ah! I guess I was too quick to have judged you, Hexrin," Mateus said, happy all of a sudden. "When can it be acquired?" he asked.
"That, they do not know," Argovaron told him. Mateus' jaw tightened, becoming firm with slight anger.
"It is in their best interest for it to be quickly," Mateus snapped. Argovaron walked slowly to Hexrin and whispered something to him in his ear. Hexrin smiled and nodded in understanding.
"Do not stress yourself, milord. I can and will have it all under control. There is no need for you to worry," Argovaron assured.
"That is good. At least I know you are useful in more ways than one," Mateus stated. Argovaron bowed one last time before turning on his heel and making his way out. Hexrin had already left, ready to complete his next task.
"Argovaron," Mateus said.
"Yes, milord?" he answered back, turning to face the Emperor.
"The first thing I will do is that I will murder every single one of those rebels, one by one. I will slowly destroy them, everyone and everything they have ever held dear. I will erase them and the memory that they ever existed," he stated cruelly.
"A very noble goal, milord," Argovaron agreed, before walking out of the court.
Quite noble, indeed.
HoL:TS
I'ltorien
August 12, 2010
"Come now… I remember when I could feel the wind of your blade! Surely you have not lost all of your skills, have you? I still await the day—though far as it is—that you land a blow on me. Though I do not believe in miracles, so you may have to pray yourself. Now stand and come at me again." the Black Knight shouted. Tor rose from the ground, his ribs and back aching from the pommel strike of the Black Knight. He held his masamune in his hand, squaring up the Black Knight, before rushing forward.
He swung in an under hand arc, aiming for the Black Knight's waist line. The Black Knight merely laughed and sidestepped, striking Tor in the armored back, sending him flying into the dirt again. They were in the common training grounds, a rare and high honor for just about near anyone to see the Black Knight grace their presence. He had noticed Cuore was there dressed in disguise. Her hair was changed to blonde by magic and she wore brown cloth, instead of her white dress. She also removed her hair beads. He became angry, after fighting with her earlier that she had needed to stay hidden. Obviously she had sneaked out with her magic. It seemed he would not be able to fully control her actions, then. A crowd had formed around them, watching the "show." While not among the highest ranking members, like the Black Knight, Orlandeu, and even his sister, he was still the most skilled swordsman of them all—excluding the Black Knight, Orlandeu and any of the ones surrounding the Emperor. He groaned in pain as he got up again.
"Come now Tor, try to strike me!" the Black Knight ordered. Tor rushed at him again, swinging in an overhead sweep. The Black Knight parried the blow and struck Tor across the face with his armored hand. Tor spun on the spot, blood flying out of his mouth. He almost saw stars in his eyes. He wiped the fluid from his mouth and began one of his Blitz Techniques. He began, blow after blow, to strike at the Black Knight with astonishing, almost inhuman speed. Of course, the Black Knight kept pace easily, but it was one of those moments where Tor showed his true skill, something that the Black Knight saw in him that set him apart from almost everyone else. Tor was skilled, but not enough.
"Come on, boy," he barked, his own voice echoing inside his helmet, sidestepping a fast strike and kneeing Tor in the gut, dropping him instantly. Tor recovered almost instantly, continuing his onslaught. The two of them danced a tango of sweat, metal and strength. Metal clashing rang into the air.
"I have always conceded that your stamina was impressive. Almost no one else could go this long with me. And it's only been ten minutes," the Black Knight praised. Tor did not let the rare show of approval affect his concentration. Tor swept in many different motions, aiming at many parts of his body. The Black Knight grunted his approval, but finally decided to end it, disarming Tor and sending him flying into a pile of logs in one fluent motion. Dust flew about and Tor could be heard coughing from the pile.
"You did well today, but you have done better in the past. I expect better when we spar next week," the Black Knight said before retreating to his personal quarters. Tor watched as he suddenly threw his head back, glaring in Cuore's general direction, where she was among the other children. Tor wiped more blood from his mouth and watched as Cuore walked to him in her disguise. She forgot to change her eye color.
"You failed," she told him. He looked at her from beneath his chocolate hair, sweaty and clumped to his forehead.
"Really? I hadn't noticed," he told her.
"Ah. Well, for one thing, the trajectory of your blade was never in the desired path for immaculate performance, it is always around three degrees to either side of the preferred spectrum and draws too much wind pressure upon itself. This, along with your less-than-worthy footwork in which you forgo distributing your weight for a bigger weight on your main leg, which deals a severe blow to your stamina extremely quickly and the way you carry your body as you deal each blow, as in, far too much, surmises that you have numerous flaws whereas the Black Knight has next to none," she explained to him.
"Yeah . . . that must be it. Cuore, have you ever heard of sarcasm?" he asked her.
"Yes. I did all that merely because—"
"I know, Cu," he said to her. "Want to go get some ice cream?" he asked her.
"That would be most pleasing," she said. He smiled down at her. He was starting to like this kid.
"Tor?" she questioned.
"What is it, Cu?" he responded, having picked up his weapon and sheathing it, reattaching it to his back. It was different from how most warriors carried their blades, but the Black Knight said it was a minimal matter.
"Are you and you sister getting along, now?" He was kind of taken aback by her sudden interest.
"Well, she seems to have cooled down a bit, but we were never the best siblings. Ever since I joined the empire and left her to be in the facility. It's not something I'm proud of, but I did what I could for my future. But I was always there for her in more ways than she ever knew. I made sure nothing would ever have happened to her. And now look at her, a Captain. She outranked me in a year, by one rank. Do I care? No. It was something that was good to have happened. She always holds it over me, that she's better. But I never mind, Cu. I'm glad she's alive and she has a successful life now. Although, if I could go back in the past and change things, I would," he explained to her as they walked through Avéladré's streets, now out of the palace grounds.
"Calculating what you have explained to me, I perceive that you feel . . . regret? Sorrow? Remorse?" she said, looking up to him.
"Yes," he simply answered.
"What would you do if you could change things?" she asked him.
"I would have loved her more."
"That is very . . . how do you say . . . illogical and inconclusive. However, you seem to have some intention behind your incredibly vague manners. I am positive that you and your sister may one day reconcile and learn to love each other," she said.
"I hope so."
Time passed slowly as they walked into the open market. There were many types of stalls, and the first one they went for was an ice cream vender.
"Ah, big brother taking his little sister out for some ice cream, hmm?" the old man asked them as they approached. Tor scratched the back of his head and smiled.
"Nah, she's not my sister. I'm just babysitting her . . . looking after her for a while," Tor replied.
"I see, and what would the little miss like?" he asked her, smiling wide.
"Ice cream, obviously. Why else would we come here?" she asked the vender. He shook his head and looked peculiarly at her.
"Pardon me?"
"Cu, he means what flavor," Tor whispered down to her.
"Oh! I desire a vanilla flavored product," she simply told the man. He shook his head again before retrieving a bar of vanilla ice cream from his ice box.
"And you, lad?" he asked. Tor thought it over.
"One strawberry, please," he requested. The old vender handed him one and they walked away after paying, enjoying their succulent ice cream as noon passed.
"So, now what are we to do?" Cuore asked him, licking her bar.
"Want to go see the chocobos?" he asked.
"Yes! I would love that very much," she stated, becoming hyper and jittery. Then she looked up at him with her eyes of teal, and they were questioning. Why are you doing these things for me? I am of nothing special to you and you know I am just going to go back to the care of the man whose memory is so dull he forgot to tell me his name…" that one was more than obviously directed at King.
"Well, Cu, why not?" he retorted.
"That is hardly a conclusive answer, even for you," Soon after, though, she decided to shrug it off. She broke her normal stature and actually acted like a child, grabbing his hand and skipping toward the chocobo farms.
Well, to be honest, Cu . . . because you have no one else to do these things with.
I know the feeling all too well.
HoL:TS
Radiant Garden
September 2, 2010
The sun streaked into the room, dazzling rays warming everything they touched in their gleam. And that included Sora's face, especially his eyes. As the sun started to bring him from his dreams of buying that special apparel, he squinted, the pain of the sun burning his orbs. Wakefulness was a go as he slammed his head the other way, facing away from the sun. But that did no use, he was awake, and it was staying that way. He rolled onto his back, unsure of where he really was. He shot up, sitting up in his bed at Merlin's house. He tried to remember how he had gotten here, and only the memory of the Joker killing the fans of the Cup greeted him. Everything between Merlin yanking his shoulder and waking up in this moment was black.
How did he get to Merlin's house and in his guest bedroom?
There was only one way to answer this.
He rose out of his bed, still in his red and white clothing. He shrugged it off and went to his personal bathroom where he relieved himself and took a refreshing shower. After he dressed again, he walked down the corridor to the steps and descended. He could already smell the aromas of breakfast cooking, drifting up the house. His stomach growled but his heart ached. He finished the journey down to see everyone at a large dining table. Kairi had saved him a seat between herself and Riku. Sora took it as Aerith handed him a plate of food.
King Mickey was at the head of the table with Leon. The rest of the Radiant Garden gang was there, including himself, Kairi and Riku. Everyone was hushed, but they were talking nonetheless. A tension was in the air, and Sora hated to break it but he had to ask.
"Where are my friends? Tidus, Selphie, Wakka!? What about One and—" King Mickey hushed him with a raised hand.
"Sora, they're fine. Each teen was transported home, whether that be Destiny Islands or Twilight Town. One was taken home by her own means. We can call ourselves lucky that no one that was close to us was killed. But that doesn't mean we should not be mournful for the 3,124 different people that died at the coliseum," he stated. Sora's jaw dropped along with some others. It looked like he wasn't the last to know.
"That many!?" Kairi exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes. King Mickey just nodded with a frown of frustration. It was seldom that Sora saw these kind of looks in royalty, or those in power for that matter. He remembered from his childhood, reading stories of valiant princes and kings of faraway kingdoms, fighting invading armies and beating all odds. He remembered the beaming and colorful artwork, how the kings and princes, valiant as they were, had always been smiling. Now, though, if he tried to remember acutely, he would fail to remember that there had been gray in the hair and lines on the face. The real world was not like a story. The real world bit hard, and when it did, you either took it or didn't. Simple as that. King Mickey had, and he was dealing with it in his own way.
"Who was he . . . the Joker?" Sora asked. King Mickey looked up to him and sighed with what seemed a struggle.
"Well, obviously he is Kefka Palazzo's brother and it looks like he is just as insane. No doubt he is working with Maleficent because of Kefka, after the way he acted with Hades. But what happened at the Cup was terrorism. It was systematical murder of thousands of people. This was thought out, that's for sure," King Mickey explained bitterly. The teens and adults around the table slowly ate, some even losing their appetites.
"Well, what can we do?" Sora asked him. King Mickey scratched his whiskery chin and looked around the table. Everyone looked back to him with expectation.
"Sora, Kairi, Merideth. I hate to ask you this, but you need to keep doing what you have been doing. The less worlds she acquires, the better. More have been blotting out, day by day. I'm going to assign everyone else different jobs, but for now, you three need to go and continue locking away worlds. Can you do this . . . please?" he asked in a near defeated tone.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Merideth replied before biting down on a strip of bacon.
"Yes," Kairi answered, having stopped eaten.
"You betcha!" Sora exclaimed, before asking for more food, which Aerith agreed upon.
"What am I to do, Mickey?" Riku asked.
"Well, Riku, I want you to do the same thing you were doing, but I want you to up the defenses of the towns. I'll elaborate further with you in a while. Sora, I'd like you to take the girls as soon as you're ready. The Highwind was brought back, restocked and refueled," King Mickey explained.
"And what about Hades?" Kairi asked.
"Well, this is what we know. No one or nothing has access to that world. There is an impenetrable force around it of pure darkness. Who knows what the poor residents are going through. I have assigned Cid," the King gestured to Cid at the computer, "to design a ship . . . or even a fleet that can bypass the walls. For now though, we can only pray for those on that world. Hades is King of Olympus."
"That's horrible!" Alexia exclaimed, banging the table with the palm of her hand.
"That it may be, but it is true. There is nothing we can do . . . yet," Leon said. Sora looked at his second empty plate lost in thought. How could all of this escalate to galactic war? How did that witch surmise so much power?
"Well, I'm ready to go," Sora began. "But, King Mickey, I need to ask you something first. Would you come with me for a second?" Sora asked. The King nodded and hopped down from his chair, following Sora to the staircase where they could talk secluded.
"Well, what do ya need, Sora? And why so hush-hush about it?" the mouse asked.
"I was kinda wondering if it would be okay if we—" And so he asked about Kairi's sixteenth birthday, only two days away.
HoL:TS
"Okay, is everyone ready?" Sora called out from the lift of the ship, its metal ramp ground into the asphalt. Kairi and Merideth walked out from Merlin's house, a smile on each face. Sora smiled as he saw them. The girl he loved and a girl he was starting to become good friends with.
"All set, captain," Merideth said with a giggle, which set Kairi into a fit of giggles, too. Sora blushed from small embarrassment. He was about to close the hatch when Riku came running out of Merlin's house, beckoning Sora to stop.
"Sora! Wait!" he called. Sora arched an eyebrow and hopped from the ramp, meeting Riku halfway.
"What is it, Riku?" Sora asked.
"I . . . well, I came out here to say this: be careful," he explained. Sora felt his heart being touched by Riku's sentimental side. "I know now that the worlds hide many dangers. After the cup . . . I just don't know. Be careful, be safe."
"Hakuna Matata, Riku," Sora replied with a smile. "We'll be just fine. It'll take more than the Joker to stop us three."
"I know, and that's what worries me," Riku replied. Sora furrowed his eyebrows and drew his lips to a thin line whilst placing his hand on Riku's shoulder.
"I promise you. I'll be fine and I'll take good care of them. I would never let someone hurt them, or take them away from me," he assured. Riku smiled lightly and nodded. Sora clapped his shoulder one more time before turning around and heading back to the ramp. He turned the switch and looked back to see Riku's face fade away as the ramp closed. Kairi started up the ship but did not take off. Sora climbed through the halls and rooms of the ship and made his way to the hangar. The girls were in their passenger seats.
"We're ready!" they both said in unison.
"You two are in a happy mood," Sora remarked.
"Well, we have to make the best of this while we can," Merideth answered.
"Too true," Sora replied as he readied the ship and sent it into the air, leaving world of Radiant Garden behind. Once they were steady, Sora punched in the auto-pilot for a world that the ship had previously been to.
"Where are we going, Sora?" Kairi asked, unbuckling herself as Sora and Merideth did the same. He stood and stretched his muscles before walking to the kitchen. The girls followed him as Roxas and Naminé materialized themselves, proclaiming to go to the training simulator to improve their combat. Sora waved them off, but he hadn't answered Kairi yet.
"Well, Sora?" she asked again, crossing her arms over her chest.
"It's a surprise," he answered nonchalantly, opening the pantry and removing bread. He carried it to the counter and then dug through one of the three fridges, retrieving some ham and cheese. "Want a sandwich, either of you?" he asked.
"Sora, the last time you said it was a surprise we ended up on that horrible pirate world," she told him sternly. He paused as he was making his snack, his eyes closing in memory before he shuddered. He put everything back before taking a healthy bite out of his sandwich.
"Well, Kairi. You'll just have to trust me this time," he said through a mouthful of food. Merideth wrinkled her nose at him.
"Manners, Sora," Merideth told him. He rolled his eyes before walking to the gaming center. Kairi however did not relent.
"Why won't you tell me?" she asked as they took a right and entered the entertainment room. He plopped down onto the sofa comfortably. He was in a good mood, given the recent events. He thumbed through the available movies that their system had downloaded and had ready to go. He settled on Stand By Me and hit play. The lights automatically dimmed and then snapped off. The only light came from the screen.
"Going to join me, either of you?" he asked as he grabbed a bottle of water from the sofa's built-in mini-fridge. He took a sip before sitting it on the end table. Kairi stood in front of him, blocking the television from view.
"I'm not giving up, Sora," she said with a small smile.
"All I'm going to tell you is that we'll get there in two days," he replied. She stopped for a moment, thinking, and he watched as she stopped pestering him. The sofa was large enough for three, but Merideth did not join them.
"I'm going to go train with them," she simply stated. Sora and Kairi waved her off and began to watch the movie.
HoL:TS
Merideth had not went to train with Roxas and Naminé as she said she would. No . . . she went to her bedroom to just lay down and think. Right now, with the lights dimmed and her blanket wrapped about her, Merideth thought about her life, and how she was now in the situation that she was.
She thought about where it was that she came from. The world she lived on that was destroyed—the one before she met King Mickey—was not even her original world. No, she had come from a world before that, and that had been when she was about five or six. The amnesia had hit her hard, and now she only had flashbacks of her small childhood, and those were now seldom. The last one she had had was a year ago. That was also where her bow came from . . . her original world. It was as white as fresh snow, but it had a black streak that zipped through it, ending in a caricature she did not recognize, nor did anyone else she asked. She huffed but she was thankful to whomever had left her the weapon. It had saved her life in more ways than one. When she was hunting with her brothers—she being the adopted one, the taken in one, the different one—she was always the best, and they had blamed her because of her bow. She brought the food home and she had them scrape by, just living off deer, rabbit, or just about anything that could die to sustain their life.
Ardirn and Ilynetta, her adoptive parents, had explained where she came from. They had said it was an act of divinity, because she had simply appeared. Did they not question that she was about five years old? Or that she had memories, no matter how fragmented they were? Of course not, because they had accepted her and loved her . . . and she had loved them, too. Yet, her mind nagged at a question she really wanted answered:
Where did she come from?
And more importantly: who was she? Who was she really?
Then a flashback hit her for the first time in over a year; a flashback over her childhood, of her original home.
"We have to send them," her birth mother said, strain in her voice. Her father ran his fingers through his gray hair. A rumble came from outside, a growling of a most magnificent beast.
"I know this," he replied.
"Father, what if he isn't able to usurp the order? We could still stay," her . . . older brother said? She had an elder sibling?
"Now, you know very well that he may and can. He has killed many already," her father answered back.
"But Ga—"
"Don't even utter that traitor's name!" her father hissed. "Now get ready, we need to leave!"
Her eyes snapped open and fresh tears ran down them. She may never know her family was. Right now though, she had a new family that loved her. And with that thought, she dozed off into a restful sleep, even if her heart was heavy.
HoL:TS
Roxas and Naminé had not trained like they said they were going to. No . . . instead they had went to the training room and sat there, just talking with each other and spending time with one another.
"You know, even though we never get to be with each other physically, we've really become more than I ever though through communication alone," Naminé. Roxas nodded and looked down at her. He was resting his back up against the wall, his legs spread so Naminé was leaning her back into him, resting her head on his breast, just over the heart. They locked eyes as they looked at each other.
"I know exactly what you mean. I never knew that I could experience love. I never knew I could have something like this, not when I was just a Nobody. I guess I still am, but we're different Nam. We can feel, and I'm so glad I can feel with you," he said, kissing her lightly. Her lips were so smooth, and they just felt right with his rough ones.
"I feel the same way," she simply replied. She nuzzled into him some more, his arms wrapping slightly tighter around her frame, her arms interlocking with his.
"Roxas?"
"Yeah, Nam?"
"Do you think we'll ever get our own bodies? Do you think there is some way?" she asked him, moving away from him and turning around to face him, sitting on her legs. He missed her body, but her question was something he had though about recently.
"I really don't know, to tell you the truth," he said. Then, he enveloped her hands into his and gently squeezed them. "But we'll find a way. There has to be someone that knows something."
"Do you think Merlin might?" she asked.
"Maybe. If not him, then maybe Yen Sid," he answered.
"I hope so," she said, her blue eyes welling with water, shimmering like the very sea on a bright morning. Roxas leaned toward her and lifted her chin with a finger.
"I know so. I promise you, we'll make this work, one way or another," he said. She took his hand and this time it was her turn to squeeze.
"I love you, Roxas."
"I love you, too, Naminé."
She leaned into him, meeting his lips with hers, gliding him into the wall where they kissed, eyes closed and oblivious to the world, only their love shining bright in their dark thoughts.
HoL:TS
The movie passed in the following hours, and both Sora and Kairi had fallen asleep. Well, Kairi was just waking up. She fluttered her eyes open and watched as the title screen was locked, just waiting for someone to play the movie again. She grabbed the blanket she had gotten from her room and snuggled it under her chin. And then it hit her, at full force, the blood rushing up to her face as she realized what was going on. Her head was resting on Sora's left leg. She slowly rose, keeping the blanket around her in the dark room. Because of the screen, she could see him fast asleep, sitting up like he was when he was watching the movie, His arms were crossed and his head lolled to the right with dead weight. A very subtle and near inaudible snore came from him as his mouth was loosely open.
When had she fallen asleep on him?
She decided not to wake him to ask what he remembered before he fell asleep. She looked at him and found that he was immensely cute in this condition. Just sitting there, having that snore with his unhinged mouth, she found it so boyish and cute that it melted her heart.
Too bad I can't snuggle with him.
And why not? Naminé's voice cropped into her head.
Wouldn't that be awkward?
Oh for god's sake, can't you tell yet?
Well, I have noticed he is acting more . . . um . . . different, lately, Kairi answered, unable to find the words.
At least you're learning something, her Nobody answered before cutting off. Kairi cast a gaze at Sora once more. She smiled and walked down to her bedroom, the blanket wrapped around her like a robe.
We'll get there in two days, huh? How convenient.
HoL:TS
Beast's Castle
September 4, 2010
"We're here!" Sora exclaimed from the hangar. Kairi and Merideth were in the room adjacent, playing a heated battle of Mortal Kombat.
"Finish him!" and then Sora heard the decapitation of a character, followed by Merideth groaning in defeat. Kairi whooped in victory as he stepped into the room. They looked at him as they set things away. The girls then turned from him and ran to the hall, heading to the warp room.
"Ahem! We're not beaming down!" Sora yelled after them. He listened as footsteps returned and they came back to him.
"Why not?" Merideth asked him.
"No special reason," he answered before leading them into the hangar where they strapped in. "You two ready?" he asked, gearing for landing.
"You bet," they answered back. He quickly punched it and soared down to the world. Rich and lush forests met him as he swept over a large and stone structure before lowering down, making their ramp face the building. All they could see was forest and other similar ships. It was about six in the evening. The ship came to a halt and powered down. Roxas and Naminé appeared as the trio unlatched themselves. Sora led them down the halls and to the ramp, where it began to slowly lower.
"Happy birthday, Kai," Sora said smoothly and held out his arm in display. The ramp lowered and Kairi let out a gasp and sigh of awe. They stepped out and Sora felt happy and at peace seeing Kairi's eyes so wide and shocked. They all looked up at Beast's Castle. It was massive and stone, almost from ancient fairy tales. Walls protected it and a large gate was opened up, leading anyone into Beast's garden. Speaking of, there were many people in the gardens, conversing and having a good time. Just then, Belle ran over with a handsome man following her.
"Kairi! Sora! You made it!" Belle said, running and hugging her fellow Princess of Heart. She hugged Sora as well.
"Ah, Sora. It's great to see you again," the man said, bowing before him.
"Again?" Sora asked. Then his jaw dropped. "Beast!? The spell broke!"
"Yes, and I am no longer the beast, but Prince Adam. You can call me Adam of course. All of my friends do," he said with his alluring and rich voice. Sora then began to introduce his friends they had never met. Hands were shook and greetings spoken.
"Belle, you said that we made it? Made it to what?" Kairi asked, crossing her arms and tilting her head slightly.
"Why, the Grand Ball, of course! Didn't Sora tell you?" Belle asked with a surprised voice. Kairi turned around to give Sora a rueful glare. He felt chilled by it but his heart smiled on, anyway.
"No, he didn't," Kairi answered while looking at him.
"Well, I wanted to surprise you! Happy birthday!" he said, hoping she would remember that. Ever since the invitation was sent out, he had purposely hid it from Kairi, hoping to surprise her and give her a birthday she would never forget. She huffed.
"Well yeah, but I have no dresses worthy of such an event!" she exclaimed. Sora watched as she looked around and saw the other Princesses of Heart and their "dates" in the garden. Everyone was dressed up in the most extravagant of clothing. Belle in her signature dress made Kairi falter some.
"What am I supposed to do?" she asked, part sad, angry, and happy all at the same time.
"Well, just wait a moment," Sora told her. She gave him a puzzled look before he went into the ship, grabbed something hidden around a corner, and came back.
"What's a birthday without a present?" he asked with a large grin. He produced, from behind his back, a slim box. He handed it to Kairi. She took it with trembling hands and opened it up, placing the box in the lid.
"S- Sora! Oh my god! It's so beautiful," she said, tears welling in her eyes as her voice began to choke up. He was feeling great at seeing her happy, even if it meant he didn't have a tuxedo. He thought he could cherish the face she made forever. It was exuberant and lovely.
Kairi let the box drop as she pulled out a magnificent dress from its contents. It unfolded like water and it shone in the midday sun. It was brilliantly crafted, smoother than silk, yet more durable than wool. It was a deep and luxurious violet, matching Kairi's eyes, but darker and deeper. The top of the single was taut and was meant to conform to the wearer. It was backless, meant to show the smooth skin and it wrapped snugly around the waist where it really became a ball dress. It unfurled out into majestic folds and layers, splaying out the farther it went down, all the way to the hem. It was a dress worthy of a true princess, a queen even.
It was worthy of Kairi.
And there she went. She began to cry as she looked at the dress and then back up to Sora, her violet eyes distorted from the tears. The sun sparkled at them, and it reminded of him when he defeated Ansem, and stars shot into the sky, reforming worlds. It was a magical and heartfelt moment, beautiful and divine.
"Sora, thank you so much," she said, handing the dress to Belle. She ran to Sora and crushed him into a hug, squeezing the life out of him. He wrapped his arms around her frame as well and just stood there stupidly, letting this moment happen. His hands glided over her back and she whispered into his ear:
"Thank you."
"No problem, Kairi."
Smooth one, dumb ass. Also, that was the perfect moment, but oh well, Roxas told him. Sora didn't care. Kairi being happy made him happy, and wasn't what this was about?
"Here, let's put your dress away and we can get you ready later," Belle said, helping Kairi put the dress neatly back in the box.
"Yes, for now, let us visit with all our friends from around the worlds," Adam said. Sora nodded happily before entering the garden. Tables of food and refreshments were set up and people mingled everywhere. The massive and arcane fountain dominated the middle of the garden with flowers and shrubs bordering it. The scenery was grand and energetic. Sora looked all over and found Aladdin and Jasmine, Ariel and Eric, Cinderella and Prince Charming, other characters and all of their friends. They were all the fairy tale type, no one like the Radiant Garden Gang here.
"Please, everyone, have fun and enjoy yourselves!" Prince Adam announced to all. So Sora did just that, talking to all of his friends he hadn't seen in such a long time, learning the news of other worlds, and learning the perils of others. It was great, but it would not be compared to what would happen tonight.
Or so he wished.
HoL:TS
"Yes Sora, I would say you look dashing," Adam said. Sora was in Adam's quarters with the man himself, Roxas and Lumiere. Just like Sora, Kairi was getting ready with the Princesses of Heart in Belle's room.
Sora looked at himself in the regal full-body mirror. From behind, Lumiere reached around and straightened his black bow tie. Sora straightened his coat, pulling it snugly over his black vest. His white dress shirt was tucked neatly into his pressed pants and his shoes were so clean and buffed that they reflected the stars forming outside. He had shaved, showered, and was groomed to perfection for tonight. Roxas had underwent the same transformation, attaching the Keychain to his belt strap so he may be whole. Prince Adam had let them use some of his finest tuxedos he owned. Lumiere had stressed over their perfection for the last hour, cleaning this, nitpicking that, tidying this. He was ready for the night and whatever it may bring to him. Adam had booked special guests pop-hit Hikaru Utada and composer Nobuo Uematsu with his renowned orchestra. It was going to be a night to remember.
"You really think so?" Sora asked, looking himself over again. He watched Adam nod in the mirror.
"Ah, yes monsieur," Lumiere stated, finally finished with his "work" on Sora.
"The Ball is starting in moments, let us go down to the entrance. I am to lead everyone in," Adam said. Sora felt the necklace rest easily in his coat pocket, his own pendant laying underneath his shirt.
May the Love of Anuwëy guide you when all Hope is lost . . .
They arrived outside the ballroom entrance, all the guests standing outside its splendid doors. Lumiere and Cogsworth opened the large, white doors for Adam. From there, he led everyone into the magnificent ballroom. Sora walked in with him and his jaw dropped, taking in the sights of the room.
Lights were strung along the entryway, criss-crossing every which way. The night sky was seen through the glass walls and there were Nobuo Uematsu, Hikaru Utada and her band, and the orchestra, all ready to go. Uematsu cued them up, starting to play some mood and entrance music, soft and delicate. The room was shiny and gleaming clean with tables set up under the low roofs on the sides. The circular part of the room itself was all empty, ready for tonight's guests to be swept away in the festivities. Sora gazed in awe as he looked up at the ceiling. Balls of fire, not giving off heat, rotated around a large mass of fire in the air, lighting the room brightly, flickering shadows only in the farthest corners. He loved what magic could do. Sora walked in and stood by Adam and Roxas. The guests then all parted, and if Sora's jaw had dropped before, it had just shattered through the floor.
Close your mouth before you begin to drool, Roxas shouted at him. Sora's face snapped shut.
Sora watched as Kairi entered on Belle's right, Naminé on her left. Belle was stunning as always, but Sora believed that Kairi shamed Belle. In fact, he wasn't the only one, for every pair of eyes was drawn not to Belle, but to Kairi. Her hair was down, like she always wore it, but it was straightened and sleek. She wore subtle makeup, not too much, but just the perfect amount to highlight her features and accentuate her eyes. Her dress fit perfectly and shimmered on her form like a flowing waterfall. The silk trailed behind her as she walked on high heels unseen from the hem of the dress. Her skin was fair and smooth, glowing under the lights of the ballroom. The dark violet of the dress soaked in the luminescence of the room as she looked from side to side, blushing her rosy cheeks even more at the attention she was receiving. But her eyes finally landed on Sora, and he smiled through his heart at her. Her eyes matched the dress perfectly, and his breath was taken away. He could hardly grasp how he had never noticed her eyes before, how they were easily her prettiest feature. They sparkled, but it wasn't because of tears, no . . .
It was because—
"She's beautiful," Sora breathed.
She walked up to him and he watched as she smiled, exposing her pearly white teeth. Cherry lip gloss shined off of her lips. Sora saw from his peripheral vision that Roxas gave a passionate kiss to Naminé in front of everyone, many sighs of awe broke through them. Kairi looked over and her face changed for a split second, and Sora noted on this. She looked back at Sora and gave him a warm smile.
"Thank you, Sora, for everything," she said. He only smiled and his simple reply was:
"You're beautiful, Kairi," he said. She blushed and looked down, fidgeting on the spot.
Suddenly, the orchestra cued up a song, and Prince Adam held out his arm, taking Belle out onto the floor. It was their duty to have the first dance at the ball, or so dictated the tradition. He took her hand in his, wrapped the other around her golden waist, and they began to dance. Utada's voice shot through the air in all of its beauty.
Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the beast
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before and
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before and
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Certain as the sun
(Certain as the sun)
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
The song came to its fine end, the final note ringing out to complete silence. The crowd applauded as Adam kissed Belle in the center of the ballroom for all to see, sharing their moment with everyone. Sora smiled and watched as Adam and Belle signaled all the guests to come forth. Then, the crowds broke and moved onto the floor. Sora and Kairi joined Roxas and Naminé on the edge of the room. Naminé was dressed in a large and elegant white dress, laces of black striking across it in different places. Her hands and forearms were white-gloved. The band led by Hikaru Utada began, and it was very fast and upbeat, quite the opposite of a normal ball. Everyone broke out into crazy and fun dancing, moving their bodies and having a great time. Sora and Roxas began having a dancing contest while the girls laughed at them Merideth was dancing with a young man. She was wearing a ruby red dress, very fitting for her.
The music flowed freely and the night had just began.
Let's see where it takes me, Sora thought.
HoL:TS
The band and orchestra had taken a break but were now back. Sora was talking with Aladdin by the refreshments table and was having a great discussion about how Agrabah was being rebuilt and how Genie was having another trip around the world. Then the sounds of the music began again, and it was the moment many people were waiting for. It now came to a time where there was a slow song, meant for slow dancing with a loved one. Or a crush, if that was your thing. Sora felt his nerves shoot when Aladdin left him, excusing himself to go and take this dance with Jasmine. Utada announced that it was a slow cover of the famous song Mi Princesa. It started amazingly slow and elegant, a violin in the back ground leading off with a solo. Sora made himself scarce, too afraid to ask Kairi to dance. The same thing had happened when they were in middle school, that cliché when the guys would just sit and mope when all the girls would want to find their prancing lion to dance with. Sora felt scared and hid, watching as Kairi looked about, near Merideth. She was all lonely, and Sora made his way to a secluded area. The lyrics rang out from Utada's siren voice.
I want you to be my princess.
I want you to be my Cinderella.
That sweet and magical sight chills me
And only with your kisses do you illuminate and fulfill me.
Like a fairytale,
I want to tell you all that I feel.
Like a knight in shining armor,
I would like to arrive and carry you to the end,
And together live in our magical world of love.
I want you to be my Princess of Heart.
I want to be the frog that you kiss only for love,
To be "the one" to put the slipper on your foot,
And that you wake up from your dreams only with my kisses
,And to gift you my eternal love.
I want you to be my princess,
That you are the beauty and I, the beast.
I would like to be the genie that grants your wishes,
And on a magic carpet show you the entire world.
Like a fairytale,
I want to tell you all that I feel.
Like a knight in shining armor,
I would like to arrive and carry you to the end,
And together live in our magical world of love.
I want you to be my Princess of Heart.
I want to be the frog that you kiss only for love,
To be "the one" to put the slipper on your foot,
And that you wake up from your dreams only with my kisses,
And to gift you my eternal love.
I want to take you to this ideal world.
Come with me to dream,
And between my arms awaken.
So, with that, the song came to an end. It really had made sense, given all of the guests here. It was fitting for the atmosphere. Sora had watched in boding agony, though, as Kairi had not danced with anyone, but merely swayed with Merideth and the man she was with. Kairi looked hurt and sad and Sora was not going to let that happen. He would have to fix this, man up, and dance with her the next opportunity a slow song came on.
And that was the very next song.
Sora steeled himself at that announcement. His palms began to sweat slightly and his heartbeat picked up. He had to find Kairi and give her a birthday she would never forget. He trudged through the crowd as the orchestra started a beautiful and moving piece. He weaved his way to and fro just as the piano kicked in, giving the song a heartfelt smoothness. He found Kairi and lightly touched her arm. She turned around and saw him. Her smile seemed forced.
"Kairi, I'm sorry. I should have danced with you last song," he told her. She looked away.
"No, it's okay. I know you never liked the slow stuff," she answered back.
"No, it wasn't that I didn't like it. It's that I was always so nervous to ask you," he replied. She looked at him with mild confusion and hope mixed. He took a deep breath.
"Kairi, will you take my hand in this dance?" he asked, extending his hand with an upward palm and trying his hardest to keep his voice steady. His heart was hammering and he was almost sweating. It was the make or break moment. All the years he had known her he had liked her, and just recently he had fallen in love. He was so sure about this, but that anxiety cropped in and took over part of his emotions, but now, he snuffed them out. All he focused on was Kairi. He thought back, over all these long years, and he was more sure now, in this moment, that he loved her like no other. He found that he wanted to be her boyfriend, the guy she can snuggle with while watching a movie, kiss on a moonlit night, talk to when she has no one else. He wanted to be the shoulder to cry on, the reassuring words, the endless source of any happiness. He wanted to be the guy she could count on to kill a spider, take care of her when she was sick, and be there when she needed him, no matter what it was. He simply wanted her and for her to be happy. He wanted to save the worlds with her and be with her at every moment in his life. He would do anything for her. Well, he already had.
She smiled.
This is it.
"Yes."
*Cue Suteki Da Ne*
TUH: You can curse me in hell, after next chapter. Because before really isn't nice at all.
TN: Yeah, blame his lazy butt for cutting the Sora and Kairi chapters in half like this.
TUH: The rest is silence.
So, if you have any criticims, concerns, whatever . . . you know what to do! Leave us a review and we'll see you in chapter 17!
May the Love of Anuwëy guide you when all Hope is lost
TorNathan
The Unknowing Herald