PrismRain13: hey guys! I'm finally back after getting settled into college! Plus the writer's block and homework didn't help.
Pete: humph. Neither did watching/reading Attack on Titan.
PrismRain13: ITS AN AWESOME SHOW! Don't deny it! And don't diss my fav Anime! *sigh~* Levi... Eren... My loves... *Pete snaps fingers* TITANS?!
Pete: *groan* Prism still owns nothing. Just this story and her characters.
Chapter 46: Peering into the Past
Hayner sat alone at the top of the clock tower, eating a bar of sea-salt ice cream, his new sword laying on the floor behind him. It had only been an hour since Sora's team left with their new recruits, and the blond felt no need to worry about them.
Dragon had always been a shy, awkward kid. Even though he was a few years older than them, Seifer could always bully him. He was always a loner, only wanting to stay off to the side and read it study. But, he was smart and he was brave. Sora's team could use his help, and it was a great opportunity for him to find his original world.
Myde on the other hand, Hayner could only wish them luck.
"Hey, what are you doing up here?" Hayner turned his head to find Olette stepping out onto the platform and sitting down beside him.
"Oh, Roxas said that all of us used to eat ice cream together up here in the other Twilight Town; I thought I'd check it out." The blond answered.
"I can see why; it's a great view." Olette stated, pulling out an ice cream bar for herself.
The two friends remained silent for a few moments, eating their ice cream until Hayner spoke up again. "So, where's Pence?" He asked.
"He went to help Vivi with his summer homework." Olette replied. "It looks like the bridge between us and Seifer's group is actually closing."
"Never thought that would ever happen." Admitted the blond.
"Yeah, I just hope Seifer doesn't get carried away with that new weapon of his."
"If he does, I'll kick his butt with this baby!" Hayner exclaimed, jumping to his feet, grabbing the Twilight Blade and pointing it up to the sky.
Olette giggled. "You're hilarious."
"You saying I can't take Seifer?" Hayner asked with a laugh.
"I'm saying I don't want you being reckless and getting hurt." Corrected Olette. "I was really worried about you guys during that battle."
Hayner looked down at her, truly surprised by her statement. All he had thought about was protecting his home and the people he cared about when he rushed into battle.
"I'm sorry." Hayner apologized, taking a seat next to her. "I didn't mean to worry you. I just, couldn't sit on the sidelines while they were fighting to protect our home. I couldn't loose you guys." Especially you. He thought. Olette placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a warm smile.
"I know." She said. "I felt the same way. I didn't want to loose anyone either." Hayner looked up into Olette's bright green eyes, his heart beating loudly in his ears. It was as though he was seeing her for the first time.
Just like Hayner, Olette could feel her heart flutter in her chest. Their faces inched closer and closer together. But before they could get any closer, they both instantly turned away, trying to hide their blushing faces.
"So, that was some battle, right?" Olette asked, trying to slow down her rapid heartbeat.
"Yep. Really intense " Hayner replied awkwardly, trying to focus on his ice cream instead of the girl beside him.
Neither of them noticed Pence, Seifer, Rai, Fuu and Vivi peeking out from behind the corner of the clock tower.
"Aww. They were so close!" Vivi whined in disappointment.
"And I really thought they'd get somewhere this time!" Pence pouted. (1)
Seifer smirked and held out his hand towards Rai. "I knew it. Pay up."
"This ain't fair, y'know!" Rai grumbled, handing Seifer
Fuu shook her head and groaned. "You're all acting so immature. You can't force or rush things like this. They'll all admit their feelings in their own time." The four boys almost jumped out of their skin as their jaws dropped; none of them knew Fuu could talk normally. (2)
~*KHIII*~
Maleficent stood in the Grey Area, looking out the giant window. She watched the heartless wander silently as she thought of their enemies.
Sora and all his friends posed a great threat to all hers and Xehanort's plans. Something had to be done soon. Their forces were quickly growing stronger and she was loosing her allies. And, she had a distinct feeling that Ansem and Xemnas weren't telling her everything about what they planned to do at the end. But for now, her best option was to go along with them; she couldn't risk loosing even more forces than she already had.
The witch heard quiet footsteps approaching her from behind. Turning her head, she smirked at the sight of Hope walking towards her.
"Well well." Maleficent said with a purr. "Look who's up and about. I see you're adjusting to the castle. Can I help you, Hope?"
The silver-haired boy nervously rubbed his arm, looking up at her. "Is it true; what everyone's saying about Myde? Did he really leave?"
"Ah yea, you and he were roommates, correct?" She mused. "Yes, I'm afraid it is true. Myde has left us and decided to join our enemies. But, not to worry. After all, you have your revenge to look forward to."
"When will I be able to?"
"Now, now dear boy. You must be patient."
Hope remained quiet as Maleficent stepped beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You remind me so much, not only of Riku, but of myself when I was your age." She told him. "I was so young and naïve back then, so trusting."
Pulling herself away from the young teen, Maleficent turned away from him and gazed out the window once more. "Go. Run along now, Hope." She said, just as a scowl appeared on her face.
Hope didn't say another word as he left the witch alone, her mind swirling with thoughts of her past. "I was a fool back then. Trusting the light cost me my wings. They will all pay for what happened to me!" She snarled, her grip on her staff tightening as she continued to gaze out the window at the heartless she commanded. (3)
~*KHIII*~
Meanwhile, Braig and Isa stood with Pete and Mortimer in another room of the castle, a corridor opening before them. Xemnas, Young Xehanort and Ansem emerged, all looking strongly irritated due to Xemnas's recent defeat.
"So, we heard you guys had some trouble with the little heroes." Smirked Mortimer, turning to Xemnas. "Guess you're not the high-and mighty leader everyone said you were."
"Yeah! What a bunch of big talk!" Pete agreed.
"They merely caught me off guard. I have been out of practice for a long time, after all." Xemnas replied, glaring daggers at Pete and Mortimer. "Perhaps when I've regained my strength, I'll give you both a demonstration of my true power." They both immediately stopped laughing at him and cringed in fear.
"Now then," Ansem said, turning to Braig and Isa. "What progress have you made here? Master Xehanort is expecting us to have twelve vessels ready upon his return. We currently only have the five of us, Master Xehanort himself, and Vanitas once we retrieve Ventus from Castle Oblivion."
Isa stepped forward. "You'll be happy to know, my lords, that both Braig and I have found suitable candidates."
As he stepped to the side, three familiar people came into view. The first was an older man with blue eyes, short bleach blonde hair and a goatee. One of his ears was filled with piercings. He was dressed in the same old black organization coat.
The next was a man with unusual thick, layered pink hair and baby blue eyes. His body was covered in a black turtleneck, fingerless gloves, pants and heeled dress shoes. A pink suit jacket covered his torso and multiple pink belts and a silver chain rested around his hips. He had a flamboyant, superior aura surrounding him.
The final newcomer was a woman with a sadistic smirk present on her lips and in her green eyes. Her short blonde hair had two "antennae" sticking out. Her jeans were white and tucked into black boots and a silver belt rested on her hips. She was also wearing a yellow tank top, black sleeveless jacket, black gloves and chocker and a gold thunderbolt necklace.
Xemnas easily recognized them, their nobodies had been members of the former Organization XIII; Luxord, Marluxia and Larxene. Or, since they had hearts now; Durol, Alarium and Relena.
"Well, well, this certainly is a surprise." Xemnas stated with a smirk. "Now, where were the three of you hiding?"
"I discovered Durol wandering the Fragment Crossing." Isa explained. "Braig found Relena and Alarium in Castle Oblivion while searching for the hidden room we believe Ventus to be hidden."
"And, I assume you were told about our plans?" Asked Xemnas.
Durol gave a nod as his eye color changed to the same poison yellow of the five before him. "Indeed. And, I've already made the decision to become a vessel for Master Xehanort. Consider me a renewed member."
"Excellent." Xemnas's smirk grew, then turned to the other two. "And, have the two of you thought about the offer?"
Alarium crossed his arms. "I always knew something was amiss with the way you ran the Organization, Superior. Now, we know why."
"But, I have to say, I'm surprised you want our help." Relena admitted. "Even after we planned to take over the Organization."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. We are ferociously outnumbered by Sora and his friends, even with the heartless and nobodies." Isa said, standing in front of Alarium and Relena. "So, what will it be? Will you join our cause?"
"What's in it for us?" Relena challenged after a moment's pause.
"How about, a place alongside us when we claim all the worlds. And, revenge against those who defeated you back at Castle Oblivion."
The pink-haired man looked to the woman beside him, who gave him a confident smirk of approval.
"We accept." Alarium replied, a determined look in his eyes. "Oh, and before I forget-" he reached into his jacket, pulling out a small vial of a dark, smoky substance. "We found this in one of the rooms in Castle Oblivion."
Xemnas strode up to him, took the vial out of his hands and examined it. "What is this?" The Superior questioned.
"I'm sure Axel informed you of the events that took place at Castle Oblivion; that Vexen created a replica of Riku. This is all that remains of that copy."
Suddenly gaining a large amount of interest, Ansem grabbed the vial from Xemnas. He peered inside with curiosity in his eyes. "Fascinating." He said. "This could very well be of use to us. It's clear the real Riku has no interest in coming back to our side, but perhaps his replica would be more willing."
"Oh yeah? And how are yeh guys plannin' on bringing him back?" Pete demanded. They had almost forgotten he and Mortimer were still there.
Huffing in annoyance, Ansem tossed the vial around in his hand.
"Well, Maleficent has a Vodoo man, a genius wannabe superhero, and two scientists working for her, I'll just have to ask them." Ansem said smugly. "In the meantime, you two useless idiots should try to stay out of our way."
Pete and Mortimer's jaws dropped, speechless.
Young Xehanort rolled his eyes, turning to Isa, Braig, Ansem, Xemnas, Durol, Alarium and Relena. "Anyway, I'll go back through time again and see what other forms of Xehanort I can gather; we still need more vessels. Do whatever you can here." In a flash of blue light, he vanished before their eyes.
Not long after he was gone, the others dispersed, leaving only Pete and Mortimer behind.
"The nerve of those guys!" Pete exclaimed, clenching his fists. "I'll show them who's useless!"
Mortimer smirked. "My thought exactly, Pete buddy. We gotta show them what we can do! We gotta take down that team by ourselves! And, I think I've got a plan."
"Ooh! Sounds like fun!" Pete grinned, rubbing his hands together. "What did ya have in mind?"
"Well, back at Disney Castle, there's this mirror..."
~*KHIII*~
Now, with a bunch more new members added to the team, the Gummi ship was insanely crowded. Lea, Roxas, Naminé and Xion had retreated to the engine room to catch up with each other.
They had spent some time alone together, before West, Riku, Sora and Kairi had wandered down to the same area.
"Wow. It's a lot less crowded down here." Sora stated with a laugh.
"I can't imagine it's very comfortable up there." Giggled Xion.
Kairi smiled, happy to see the four former nobodies reuniting. "It sure looks like you guys are adjusting."
Roxas nodded. "So, what are you guys doing down here?"
"Other than the fact we want to get away from Myde's Sitar playing, Kyra's grumpy attitude and Donald's temper; West has something she wants to ask you, Naminé." Riku said, Naminé looking at the freckle-faced girl with her ears open.
West nervously stepped in front of Naminé, fiddling with one of her pigtails. "Well, Riku told me that you can manipulate memories?"
"Yes, I can." Naminé nodded. "Anyone who's connected to Sora's heart, I can rearrange and look at their memories."
"Well, I don't remember anything before I was six years old. I was wondering, could you please try and help me remember?" The thief asked.
Naminé seemed slightly surprised at West's request before the witch gave a warm smile. "I'd be happy to help." Before the blonde knew it, West had pulled her into a tight, sisterly hug.
"Thanks, Naminé! You're the best!"
"Don't thank me yet. Let's get started." Both Naminé and West sat themselves down on the floor. The blonde pulled out her old sketchbook from the mansion and a colored crayon. Opening it, Naminé began to draw.
Sora raised an eyebrow. "Uhh... Isn't she supposed to be working on West's memory?" He asked Riku.
"She is." The silver-haired teen replied. "I'm not sure exactly how it works, but she told me that as she looks into someone's memory she's drawing a new memory she wants to create in their mind or a real memory she's seeing." Riku explained. (4)
Suddenly, Naminé released a gasp of pain as she collapsed to the floor and dropped her sketchbook.
"Naminé!" Roxas exclaimed as he rushed to her side and helped her up. The others followed without any hesitation.
"What happened?!" West demanded. "Naminé, are you okay?!"
"I'm fine." She nodded, slowly regaining her strength while she leaned against Roxas's chest. "West, I'm sorry, but I couldn't see anything."
"Really? Nothing?" Lea asked in surprise. Xion looked equally shocked.
Naminé shook her head sadly. "I couldn't go any farther back than she already remembered; it was like there was a powerful magic blocking me."
"Hey, don't worry about it." West smiled at the former nobody. "You did your best. That's all that matters. There's no point in beating yourself up about it.""
"Thanks, West." Naminé managed a small smile at her words.
At that moment, Max had wandered down to the engine room, gaining the attention of everyone already there.
"Hey, the king wanted me to tell you we're going to be landing right away." The teenage dog announced.
"Awesome!" Kairi exclaimed. "Where?"
"Disney Castle." Max replied. "The King wanted to check up on our world and talk to Chip and Dale about another Gummi Ship since this one's getting really crowded."
"Are you sure the King and Donald don't just want to see Minnie and Daisy?" Sora asked in a teasing tone.
The entire engine room erupted into a fit of laughter as the group made their way back up to the crowded cockpit. Nothing remained in the room other than Naminé's previously discarded sketchbook. A small new drawing of a young pigtailed girl in a dark, dead-end alley present on the paper.
PrismRain13: *watching Attack on Titan* No! Bad Titan! Don't eat that person! *Titan eats person* I SAID NOOOO!
Pete: *groan* Don't you have homework or something?
PrismRain13: already done. Thanks for reading and sticking with me after I left you guys for so long. And thanks so much for 399 REVIEWS! You guys are amazing! Let's break the 400 mark and leave some reviews! See you next time!
(1): Pence; world's biggest Haynette shipper
(2): Yes, Fuu can talk normally. Don't believe me? Go check out Final Fantasy 8.
(3): so, I'm kinda basing Maleficent's reasons for her evilness on the live action movie, minus the whole stupid-Stephen. You will discover the full story in The Dark Heart Rises!
(4): I have no idea how she really does this, so I guessed -_-
Guest(Aug 21); I'm glad you like my story, but there's no need to compare it to others
Gry18; yes, that world is going to happen soon! I'm excited to start it!
Guest(Sep 18); I've been thinking a lot about your idea and I think there's a strong chance I'll have that happen on one of the Disney worlds and Lea will get rescued right away. I just need to decide which one.