TN: So, it's finally here!
TUH: YOU LEFT ME FOR DEAD
TN: . . . Not deeead, persay but-
TUH: You left me to the angry dogs that would be the readers if I did not make the chapter good enougH!
TN: *shrugs and chuckles*
TN: Got anything to say about chapter 18?
TUH: I went to the dentist because of it.
TN: I got diabetes (types 1 AND 2) just from writing it.
TN: Want to do the disclaimer, Herald?
TUH: . . . Fine
TUH: Prick
TUH: Disclaimer: we do not own anything but the plot and our own characters. Beware the sugary sweetness . . .
NEW POLL IS UP!
Chapter XVIII
Suteki da Ne
Beast's Castle
September 4, 2010
"Yes."
Sora's heart elated, and the song stroked in, like a subtle brush of paint, its music waving through the air. Piano strings strummed and a slow cello provided volume, adding a stark contrast as the piano would crescendo and decrescendo, weaving an ambient atmosphere through the room. Sora held Kairi's small, smooth hand in his and guided her to the center of the ball floor. Then, suddenly, the magical wreaths of fire above vanished, save the the lone mass of fire in the middle. Then it slowly turned from it's roaring reds and oranges, changing color, casting shadows all about. It transcended into a deep azure and purple, dimming the light of the room into shadowy darkness. It was a dark and beautiful sight.
Sora took his eyes from the dark flame above and looked back into Kairi's own orbs. They sparkled from the flickering fire, the violet in her eyes so shaded it was hard to see. He found himself lost in her dark orbs, and what came next to him was something he had never been able to explain. It was natural, an instinct he never knew could exist. There, in the middle of the room, Sora was not nervous as he slid his left hand around her slim waist, pulling her closer to him. His mind did not jitter as he took her left hand in his right; her left hand gripped his strong shoulder ever so slightly. He knew that this form of dancing wasn't performed often anymore, but it was a grand ball, and many others were doing the same. Yet, he didn't care—he was with Kairi, and that's what was important.
They glided closer together, and they began to rotate as some strings added into the soft song. Their movement was fluid, as if they were perfect dancing partners. Sora almost chuckled at his own thought, but did not. He looked into those eyes and her angelic smile. He could smell cherry blossom perfume drift from her, and he inhaled in euphoria. He had always loved that trait about her, such a girly thing to do. They slowly weaved around, taking in the moment . . . and then Utada's voice rang clear.
HoL:TS
The flame above had simmered into a dark blue and purple, and the room quieted down in its extravagance, only to be replaced by this dark beauty. Sora was very handsome tonight, Kairi thought, as she let him lead her into the ball room's middle. She looked at him and realized he had shaved the stubble he had been starting to grow. He really had tonight on his mind apparently, because he was absolutely perfect. This was the young man she had fallen in love with, and yet, they were so young. How could she be so sure about something at only sixteen? And he was only fifteen. She knew that no one found true love at their age. It made her think . . .
Maybe fantasies can be real?
She didn't care. All of the worries her mind had pressed her about flew away like a wisp of cloud in a high wind. The cloud dispersed and the sun shone through, illuminating her mind and heart. The music picked up slightly, and so did her heartbeat. They stopped in the middle of the room and she felt her heart melt when he took his deep cerulean orbs and barreled them into her eyes. Something—she was unsure of what this thing was—clicked. They shared something in that deep moment of just peering into the others' soul. Sora may not have realized it, but she did. She felt something . . .
What happened next seemed natural to her, an instinct. It seemed to be the same for Sora as he boldly took his hand around her waist. She felt the pressure he applied as he pulled her in towards his body, and they made slight contact before separating by a few inches. She lay her hand on his shoulder and felt her other being enveloped by his strong one. That feeling, of his strong hand holding hers meant so much to her. It was a little thing, but it was a powerful thing. As he gently squeezed her hand, she felt a million things. She could feel the reassurance behind it, the will, the fire . . .
The love.
They began to glide around, swaying and dancing to the music, a harp adding to the other strings, the piano singing away. They looked into each others' eyes and all things but him disappeared. The other people were but blurred images, just background. All her attention was directed to him, and she felt overwhelmed in this moment. Not by what or where she was, but the sudden realization. The sudden finality, the sudden assurance of what was happening. She knew what was occurring and it scared her. She felt nervous and it ripped through her at that ever so instant knowledge. That fear was a good fear. She was ready for what would happen. She had been for a long time. And then, Utada's voice rippled like a sighing wind through the air.
HoL:TS
Wind, and my heart swimming in collected words
Moved by the wind, in through the world.
Clouds, like a voice that we all recognize.
Carry the holding future.
A drumbeat filled the background, just there with the orchestra. Sora looked down to Kairi and swayed. No words need to be spoken between them. The outside night was pitch save the twinkling stars, worlds yet known. The moon shone down and the dark fire wove an intricate, lighting pattern. He felt his body conform with his tuxedo as they danced. Kairi felt her dress swivel with her body, and she was so grateful for this dress. It was beautiful, and she would ask Sora about it, but later. She smiled and felt a tear try to leak out of her face but she forced it back. Sora noticed this and smiled even more handsomely. Her heart quivered, just like he was feeling. Years of emotion built up were about to spill, sometime. And that time would have to be soon, because they both felt it.
Moon, on the sky as a trembling heart
Shown on the glass unsteadily.
Stars, shedding tears in an overflowing stream
I see the night all around me.
As these lyrics wove around everyone, Kairi took the time to truly think about them, and realized how romantic they were . . . even if they were riddled with symbolism. She gently squeezed Sora's shoulder and she felt one in response over her hand. They moved in a swift movement around, still dancing in this traditional style. But something happened. They began to move closer. It was subtle, but she noticed it just the same. Sora noticed this too, and he thought it must have been both of their doing. Or maybe it was something else all entirely. He didn't really mind as they continued to dance. Tonight was it and he could feel it. Then, the chorus broke in.
Isn't it wonderful
Being together, all alone walking hand in hand.
And I want to go to your city
To your home, into your arms.
That soul Inside your body
From those conflicted nights
As from my dreams.
With that high and piercingly beautiful note, she ended her singing as the flute picked up and played a stunning solo. Sora and Kairi felt something new, a force take over them. Their dancing nearly stopped as the music built up in volume, slowly adding a crescendo. Sora felt his right arm buckle and drop her hand, taking his now free hand and wrap it around her torso onto her shoulder blade. Kairi took her free hand and did the same, above his arm and up around to his neck. They pulled closer together, almost touching. They were directly in the center of the room, everyone dancing around them to this beautiful song, and no one paid any attention to them. They looked into each others' eyes and they shared a smile again. They turned slowly, and the crescendo picked up slightly. Sora felt his head lower, and Kairi felt her chin rise. They turned so slowly it was as if they stood still. They inched their faces together and the music was ambient, a brass instrument having been added. Sora watched as her eyes closed, and then all became black as he, too, closed his eyes. They moved in and—
They bumped noses.
Sora's eyes popped open and he looked at Kairi as she snapped hers open. They smiled tight smiles. Kairi began to giggle and he chuckled a bit. The tempo of the song changed and the crescendo dropped, building up all over again. Sora felt his hand upon her waist pull her in, his other hand on her neck. Her tension on his shoulder steadied and her other hand went up into his hair, where she gripped it. The music built up, strong and and growing louder. This was the moment they had both been waiting for, something special and magical. Without even closing his eyes, Sora took the lead and pulled her in. Their noses brushed past each other and their lips met at the exact peak of the music, all the instruments roaring together. She did not resist and he felt her body meld into his. His heart roared and hers cried as they shared this intense moment. The grip in his hair intensified and his own around her waist did. He watched her as their eyes closed together, and they shared their kiss, under the flames, under the stars, and under the moon. Not a single soul noticed them. It was their moment. One and forever. Sora thought it was perfect, the way their bodies fit together, braced together. They kissed a bit more deeply, but not much, for it was the first kiss, after all. Though it was not a deep nor passionate kiss, it was warm and powerful. The symphony sang loud and the music was vibrant while they kissed, and it quieted down, where they finally broke apart from each other. He had just had his first kiss, and he knew Kairi had, too. Maybe it was something he couldn't quite understand, but he looked at Kairi, eyes wet with tears, streaming down her cheeks—blushing redder than her dress—that he noticed a beauty in her he had never noticed before. It was like trees in the mist. You can see their form, but when that mist lifted, you could see everything in a clarity unlike any other. That was the closest thing he could relate to this moment. Sora took her in and they did not return to their traditional dance. Their bodies were pressed tightly—but smoothly—to each other. She rested her head on his upper chest and they then wrapped their arms around each other in an embrace, letting the lyrics pour out again.
Wind died away, and I feel all the words
Led by a gentle illusion.
Clouds are the future that cannot be attained.
Told from impossible distance.
Kairi let her heart pour into him, but that fear came back, and all of the questions she had before. If they were home, free of worries, then it would be different, she would take him in an instant. But they weren't free of worry. They were in danger at all times and she was scared of the future. How could she be certain they could love each other in a time such as this, always fighting to stay alive as they went on their heroic, yet dangerous adventures? There were too many instances when they had almost died, and she was scared on how that could interfere with them . . . or the other way around. But why was she thinking of this right now? Now was the time they should be free of thought and just be together. When would they ever have a moment like this again in the future? She smiled and suppressed her fears, happy to be with Sora, safe and sound.
The moon filled with night as it flowed through your heart
Such faraway reflections.
Stars, ripe like tears, like fruit falls from a tree
I wipe my dreams off the nighttime.
They turned slowly, swaying to the music and not speaking to each other. There would be time for that, Sora thought, and he knew when, too. He was unaware of Kairi's concerns, but that didn't matter. He held her tight to him, and he felt her hold him just the same. He remembered the times when he was younger, being at those dances and just sitting there, moping with the guys while the girls awaited their prancing lions. That old cliché. Never would he have known how wonderful it was to have a girl in your arms, one that you loved and would do anything for. Was this what growing up really was? What did the future really have in store? He didn't really want to think about that; he thought about the here and the now.
Isn't it wonderful
Being together, all alone, walking hand in hand.
And I want to go to your city
To your home, into your arms.
To feel your face
The touch of memory
And now that I awake
As from a dream.
The song came to an end, and so did their dance. Yet, they stood their in each others' arms while clapping surrounded them. Reluctantly, Sora broke away from Kairi and slowly clapped his hands together as the fires lit back to their brightness again. He just realized how hot he was, how much he had really gotten worked up during their dance. Now was the moment he needed to talk to her, and he couldn't hold it back any more. He couldn't wait anymore . . . not because of the need or want. No; he just knew it was right. "Kairi," he said. She faced him with a teary face but it looked different, almost sad. His heart beat hard at that, a sudden block of ice dropping into his stomach. "Kai?" he asked, moving closer to her. She looked a little to the floor, avoiding his gaze. "Sora, we need to talk," she said, sniffing and sniveling throughout. Sora heard those words and another lump of ice struck his heart as it slid down into his belly. The nerves he had begun to control shot through him and all assurance flew out the window. He became scared and nervous, but he nodded just the same and took her hand, leading her toward the doors of the ball room where they exited and took a right, up the stairs and heading towards Prince Adam's room. To the balcony.
HoL:TS
"It finally happened," Roxas said to Naminé after having shared a kiss with her. She nodded. "Yes, I felt it, though I did not see it," she replied. Roxas thought about it and agreed. Everything Sora had felt tonight, Roxas himself had felt as well, just in the form of himself and Naminé. Roxas was happy for Sora, and was glad he finally manned up. Naminé smiled as they were about to share another kiss. They stopped as if they had been hit with a train. "Oh no," Roxas said. "What is that? Kairi feels . . . bad," Naminé whispered, holding where her heart would have been. "Sora feels scared, horribly so," Roxas told her. They looked around but they never spotted Sora or Kairi. It was just a sea of faces. "What could this mean?" Naminé asked. Roxas held her body to his and rubbed her arm. "I don't know," he simply replied.
HoL:TS
The night air was cool and the moon was bright. Wind rustled between the columns of the stone balcony railing. The trees all around blew in the subtle wind, their leaves rustling, and it somehow reminded Sora of the Islands—the roar of the ocean and spray of water striking sand. Tonight he was having many memories of the past. This was an okay thing, but right now he was afraid and confused. What had he done wrong? He looked at Kairi from behind. She was leaning on the railing looking out over all of the trees. It was quiet and they heard music drift slowly to them, carried away by the wind. Sora stood behind her, stupid and unsure of what to do.
"K- Kairi? What's wrong?" he asked. She sighed and turned around, looking at him with a doubtful gaze, rubbing her arms and glazing over her skin. She moved her hair away from her face and the moon shone on her makeup, her eyes and lips sparkling.
"Sora, I'm not upset about what just happened. I want you to know that. That was the most magical moment of my entire life, and thank you for it. That's not what is wrong," she told him. Some of his fear abated, but his confusion rose. She had seemed so happy and it felt like everything was perfect.
"Then what's wrong, Kai?" he asked. They looked at each other, facing one another. She frowned.
"I've been worrying about this for a while. I know I want something more with you, but how could it work? We're always fighting to save everyone, so how will we ever be with each other. I'm wording this horribly, but listen. We can't always protect each other. We won't always be there for each other. At any moment one of us could die . . . or worse. Just think about how much it would kill me if you were hurt again because of me. Imagine how much it would hurt you to see me in pain because you just weren't good enough. What romance could we have? Yes, we'll always be friends, best of them, too. We'll always try to be there for one another, but it may not always work. I'm scared of the future and what it may bring. If I get too close to you . . ." she trailed off, to afraid to finish that sentence. She turned around, and Sora was glad, too. She wasn't able to see the tear drop from his eye. She didn't have to see his sorrow.
"But . . . Kairi . . ." he tried to continue, but couldn't. Something in him was defeated, but there was another part of him that wasn't. Then he felt something course through him, and he could have sworn it came from his pocket . . .
"No, Sora. This is just something that would cause too much risk, too many problems. What if Maleficent found out we were in love? Imagine if she somehow got to one of us? She could practically torture the other. You don't know how badly I want to be with you Sora . . . but it just isn't meant for now. Wait until we're safe again. Wait until I don't have to worry for my life or yours," she finished. No. Something in him would not give up.
"Kairi," he started. She turned around and was shocked to see him crying, but something in him was fierce and determined, and she waited for something, anything that could convince her it was meant to be. She wanted it to be so badly. She knew now was not the time, but maybe he might say something to really convince her otherwise. "Kairi, when I was traveling trying to find you so long ago, I finally came to Hollow Bastion," Sora began, walking up beside her and staring out over the trees. He breathed in heavily and exhaled shakily. "In the library, Aerith had found what she said was the first half of a legendary poem titled The Birth of Darkness," he told her. "Well, I have read that poem over and over again, and here it is:
When you look out afar
And you
See
That shining star
What do you think?
Are you on the
Brink
Of despair?
When life isn't
Fair?
You fight from your morals
Against all odds
Only mortals
Yet you achieve more than
Expected
Aspire when not
Accepted
In a world of catastrophe
And ranking mastery
Your dreams you try to conquer
Growing ever stronger
Dreams come true
But only so few
What about the Fantasies?
The flying thoughts through your sanity
Can you live those out?
Can you scream and shout?
Your Fantasies
How can you live, love, and yearn them?
They are like the shining gem
Your Fantasies
How can you?
In a world so abysmal
In a universe so proportional
In a life so cataclysmal
Your Fantasies
Are
Final. . .
He finished the poem. "Sora, I don't understand what you're getting at?" Kairi said, but he continued on anyway.
"I used to think that what the poem meant was that no matter how hard you tried, no matter how hard you battled and how much stronger you became, that you would always lose," he explained.
"No, Sora, I don't mean it like—" He silenced her with a raised hand. He walked away from her but she stayed at the balcony, looking up into the starry sky, fresh tears pouring down her face.
"But I was wrong, Kai. The poem really means the exact opposite. That no matter what you do in these worlds, no matter how tough the challenge is . . . if you try and you put your everything into it, you will come out on top. Stick to your dreams and stick to your fantasies. Aerith told me that it reminded her of me, and I never understood why until just now. I was a kid (and still am, he added) and did everything I possibly could to find you and Riku. I tried my hardest, and even when all hope seemed lost, I found you two. And now, I look at the poem and it makes me think of us . . ." he paused.
"Sora?" she looked back at him, turning around as she did so. His head was bowed. He was thinking and he finally was just going to say it. It was all he had left, and it was only the truth.
"Kairi, I love you. I don't know when I began to love you, but all I know is that I do, simple as that. You've been my friend for so long that you have become more to me. I can't explain it. I know I sound like a kid and a fool, but it's the truth. I simply love you." She turned away from him and began to cry again. She finally understood something.
"Kairi, I think about the poem. I have sacrificed so much and I found you. All I want to do now is be with you through this last struggle. I want you to be with me in this last push, this last venture of saving the worlds . . . Kairi no matter what. Even if we're still friends after this, I want you to know, romantic or not, I will always be there for you, and I'll always love you," he stated. The wind carried music and leaves rustled like the sea. Sora pulled the pendant out of his pocket and felt something from it, but couldn't quite place what it was. Some ancient power. He walked slowly and quietly up behind her. "Kairi . . . will you be my girlfriend?" he asked simply, looping the necklace around her and clasping it behind her neck.
HoL:TS
She gasped in shock as she felt a piece of cold metal touch her skin. She momentarily forgot the pivotal question he just asked as she held an amulet in her hands. It was beautiful, unlike any piece of jewelry she had ever seen. The pendant itself was a cresting wave made of pure sapphire, cut and edged to make the texture of waves. It was lined with diamond and the crested crash of the wave was a mixture of diamonds. A golden paopu fruit, yes golden, was borne of the crest and the leaf wrapped underneath, made of pure emerald. She turned it over to find a gold plating inscribed with something in her own language but that of an elven style of writing, a black composition.
May the Love of Anuwëy guide you when all Hope is lost
She turned slowly around, letting the pendant fall and slap against her chest. She looked at him for a minute or two and let the silence of the world envelope them. She was crying freely now and she had so many thoughts in her head, but one of them shone brighter than the others. It didn't matter when or where . . . she realized this now. It had always been there.
"You promise?"
"Of course."
She looked at the pendant one last time. She looked up at him and walked forward, grabbing him in an embrace and kissing him again. She instantly felt his hands wrap around her and her hand slipped up into his chocolate hair again. She kissed much more passionately this time around. She stood on the balcony with her love, kissing under the moon and stars. Time seemed to have stopped as she let her worries and fears fade away. She should have realized, whether they would be in a romantic relationship or not, that they would always love each other. She should have realized all of this . . .
They finally broke apart—when she needed air—and she looked up into his wet face caused from her tears. They both smiled.
"Yes, Sora. And I love you, too. I've loved you for a while now. And I'm just so happy that this can finally happen. I'm sorry for how I was thinking. I was just so worried," she responded, leaning her head into his chest. She could hear and feel his heart racing, the warming blood of his hands gliding over her chilled and exposed back.
"It's okay, Kai. I understood what you meant. I just couldn't hold it back any longer," he replied to her, stroking her smooth back.
Tears twinkled in the night.
The wind sighed through the trees.
Life of the night scurried about.
Silence.
They did not utter another word as they just stood there, basking in each others' love, being together . . . one and forever.
HoL:TS
Sora, where are you? Roxas' voice rang inside Sora's head, bringing him back to reality. How long had he been standing there, Kairi securely in his arms. His eyes fluttered open and he watched the moon overhead, its pale surface shining down.
What?
Earth to Sora, where are you two?
Oh, we're up on Adam's balcony. Roxas, you'll never guess what happened, Sora exclaimed in his head.
You act like I'm not you. I can tell what happened. I'm proud you grew a pair, Roxas retorted, snickering as he did.
Har-har. What time is it?
I don't know, but they called the last dance. It's ending in a few minutes. Why don't you two come down and enjoy the last song together? That voice wasn't Roxas, but Naminé
Nam? How did you—
Just shut up, lover boy, and get down here.
After that, the Nobodies left him alone. Kairi finally shifted and tilted her head upward, the tendons of her neck straining as she did so.
"Naminé is bugging us to come down," she told him.
"Same here. We might as well listen to them," Sora replied. They turned and headed through the glass doors, Sora's right arm around Kairi's shoulders. She lightly leaned into him as the walked. The last song was yet to begin as the turned some more corners and appeared at the staircase down to the ballroom. Sora removed his arm and held her hands as he led her down the stairs, their feet brushing the carpet. They opened the door just as the music began. The light had flickered down again into it's deep azure. The last song was a slow one, and Sora smiled down at Kairi. She smiled back at him as they grasped hands and headed into the center of the ball room. Sora look at Roxas and Naminé. They looked back and smiled before they became concentrated on the other, now knowing that Sora and Kairi were down on their level of the castle.
"This is my own song for all you young lovers. It's named appropriately: First Love," Utada announced while the slow piano picked up a little, like the speeding thrum of Sora's heart. Kairi leaned into his enveloping arms like earlier, resting her head on his chest and feeling the trip-hammer of his heart. He rested his head slightly on hers as they began to rotate, the shimmering light cascading with the music.
Once in a while
You are in my mind
I think about the days that we had
And I dream that these would all come back to me
If only you knew every moment in time
Nothing goes on in my heart
Just like your memories
How I want to be here with you
Once more
You are always gonna be the one
And you should know
How I wish I could have never let you go
Come into my life again
Oh, don't say no
You are always gonna be the one in my life
So true, I believe I can never find
Somebody like you
My first love . . .
Once in a while
You are in my dreams
I can feel the warmth of your embrace
And I pray that it will all come back to me
If only you knew every moment in time
Nothing goes on in my heart
Just like your memories
And how I want to be here with you
Once more
Yeah . . .
You will always be inside my heart
And you should know
How I wish I could have never let you go
Come into my life again
Please don't say no
Now and forever you are still the one
In my heart
So true, I believe I could never find
Somebody like you
My first love
Oh . . .
You are always gonna be the one
And you should know
How I wish I could have never let you go
Come into my life again
Oh, don't say no
You will always be the one
So true, I believe I could never find . . .
Now and forever . . .
Sora lips were wet as he and Kairi kissed under the flaring fire, still its dark blue and purple. His eyes were closed and his mind blurred out. All he could comprehend were the feelings of Kairi's lips and his hand holding her jaw; the other wrapped around her waistline. Then, he became aware of something. There was clapping and light flooded the room. When Sora finally broke away from Kairi, he looked around and was shocked. They were smack-dab in the center of the room, and the floor was clear. Everyone was standing in a circle around them, applauding them. He felt red touch his cheeks. He saw Kairi blush, too.
"I liked it better when no one noticed," she whispered to him through a radiant smile.
"Same here," he replied.
"About time!" Roxas shouted over everyone and there was a collective burst of laughter. The guests began to spread out again, but not before Prince Adam cleared his throat and his voice rang throughout the room.
"Attention! Everyone! We, as in my lovely Belle and I, are ever so glad that you could join us in our engagement party!" he declared.
What?
Girls, mainly the Princesses of Heart, squealed with delight and ran to Belle, doing what they do best: talking. Kairi ran over to her as well. Now, Prince Adam was having a hard time making himself heard.
"Please, stay with us in my . . . our castle until the wedding in three days time!" There was a roar of applause, but Sora walked his way over to Prince Adam after mentally telling Roxas to get ready for them to leave.
"Adam," he began. "I'm sorry, but we have to go. We can't stay; we're needed elsewhere. But thank you for this chance and night. It was amazing," Sora told him with mixed feelings.
"Sora, I understand. Go then, there are other worlds than these," he said, laying two strong hands on Sora's shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. Sora nodded with a grin. After Sora and Roxas finally were able to drag Kairi and Naminé from Belle, they left the castle, and eventually the world.
A couple hours passed, and it was about 11:27 p.m. on the ship. Roxas and Naminé had retired into Sora and Kairi's minds. Merideth was asleep in her room. And what about our new lovebirds? Well, they were snuggled up under a blanket watching a movie. She was leaning into his chest, and his arm was draped around her. They were in their pajamas, just enjoying one another's company.
"Kairi, I'm happy," he said to her.
"I am, too," she said, snuggling into him some more.
"Do you think we can beat Maleficent?" he asked.
"You're asking me? I thought you were the hero? I thought you knew all these things?" she asked playfully.
"Well, this time I don't," he answered back.
"Well, what was it like the first time you fought her?" Kairi asked laying longways on her back, resting her head in his lap and looking up at him. The blanket had become tangled now.
"Well . . ."
And he told her. From there they went on and on, completely going off topic and just talking all night, forgetting their movie and just doing what couples do. It was four in the morning when they passed out together on the couch in the entertainment room.
They never heard the end of it from the others.
HoL:TS
Beast's Castle
September 7, 2010
While the teens were already whisked away in their adventures on the new world they had encountered, a wedding was going on.
And evil was afoot.
White and gold was the theme of this grand event, held out in the royal gardens of Prince Adam and Belle. All the guests except for our heroes had stayed, and it was a joyous event. The fountains bubbled, music wafted about, small chatter was heard until the ceremony went underway. And oh was it a beautiful ceremony, Prince Adam and his fiancé dressed for the event, holding hands and looking into each others eyes as the preacher conducted the coronation. Everyone watched with warm hearts and dreamy eyes at the couple. And then all ways silent.
"I do."
"I do."
"You may now kiss the—"
Suddenly, one turret of Adam's castle violently erupted in a spray of rock and debris, crashing some meters away from the guests. A loud rumbling filled the air as a massive ship flew above them. It was a pirate ship, as ancient as ever. But telling by the magical aura that surrounded it, it was enhanced with a foul and evil magic, allowing it to do such things. It was green from algae and its magically enhanced wooden body lowered slowly. Fish-like men suddenly jumped off the sides as all the guests began to scatter. The men (and some women) of the party began to fight back. Another cannon round blasted into the balcony of the castle, obliterating it and part of Prince Adam's room.
Prince Adam yelled in rage as a voice shouted back, halting the pirate creatures on the ground. Everyone looked up to the starboard side of the ship, where a man as menacing as ever stood, his tentacle face slithering about his uniform.
"Ah, ain't this pleasant?" he said with a chuckle. The pirates laughed with him.
"Who are you!" Prince Adam shouted in a voice very similar to Beast's.
"My name is Davy Jones, and I've been sent here to collect her, her, and her," he said, pointing to Jasmine, Cinderella, and Belle in turn.
"NEVER!" Adam shouted, forcefully standing in front of Belle. The Princesses soon became guarded.
"So be it," Davy said. He knocked on the railing and the pirates took charge. Metal clashed and gunshots were fired. Some guests were killed in their fight to protect the Princesses, and even the mightiest fighters couldn't hold off for long. Soon, Heartless emerged and began to fight too. Adam was fighting with his fists, driving who and what he could away. He had just clocked a pirate's shell-head off when he heard a piercing scream from behind him. He turned to see a Heartless take Belle and fly away. Her screaming voice filled his ears. He never noticed the same thing happen to the other two.
"And where is Kairi?" Davy asked as soon as the pirates had all made their way back to the ship. The fighters had all been too wounded to continue, to ashamed in their defeat.
"She's not here!" Adam screamed hoarsely, choked with tears.
"Lies! She is hidden in the castle, is she not!?" Davy screamed back.
"No! I swear I'll kill you for what you've done," Adam swore.
"Oho!? You can do that after I force the brats out of your castle!" he spat, turning away. Belle, Jasmine and Cinderella were roughly taken to the brig, Jasmine having been knocked out in the quarrel.
"FIRE!"
"NO!" Adam screamed.
Magical rounds of cannonballs flew from the Flying Dutchman. The shrieked into the castle, blowing up magnificently in an array of color and fire. Chunks of rock and stone flew from the western wing as it crumbled, spilling into the garden and crushing more guests. Screams and blood were everywhere, and all Adam could do was look up at his castle with watery eyes and cry.
And burn with rage.
More shots ricocheted and blasted into the castle. These were new rounds capable of setting anything aflame, even the stone. The castle's foundations became a blazing inferno as the eastern wing wing completely exploded. All of his life, all of his memories were in that castle. And now they were gone.
"Captain," the Bo'sun said to Davy.
"What!?" he barked back.
"Maleficent has just informed us that the Key-wielders are on another world. We have the coordinates ready."
"Then what are ye lollygagging for!? Get moving!" he commanded.
With one last shot, Adam's castle was no more than a heap of flaming rubble. Davy Jones was on his way to first drop off the Princesses, and then he would go and capture the last one.
"Almost too easy," he muttered.
TUH: Okay, may I go hit puppies now?
TUH: I feel emasculated
TUH: Wait . . . not puppies . . . Lightning-punching bags!
TN: Sure, just go down a couple levels in the-
TUH: NO! YOU go down! YOU left this thing for Anuwëy knows what! I had to fend for myself!
TN: ...
TUH: Yeah! And STAY that way.
*Sora and Kairi burst in*
Sora: Whoa! Calm down down there Herald!
TUH: Me, calm down? I'll take you the fu-
*a brawl breaks out*
Kairi: Thanks for reading everyone! Make sure to leave a review and we'll see you all in chapter 19!
*glass shatters*
Kairi: Hopefully . . .
REMEMBER THE POLL!
May the Love of Anuwëy guide you when all Hope is lost
TorNathan
The Unknowing Herald