Kingdom Hearts: Sacred Flow
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters or properties. Marvel Studios is owned by Disney Entertainment and Marvel Comics. Kingdom Hearts and their characters are jointly owned by Disney Interactive and Square Enix. This work is pure fan fiction and how both worlds of Kingdom Hearts and the MCU would mix together. Please Enjoy)
Chapter 3: Keyblades and Coffee: A Variant's Interrogation
***INTERROGATING ROOM - THE TVA***
The room was dimly lit, casting eerie shadows that danced along the cold walls. Sora sat in a small, cramped office, its air heavy with a palpable sense of despair and uncertainty. His hands were cuffed to the table in front of him, and an inhibitor collar was securely fastened around his neck, its presence a constant reminder of his confinement. Dressed in the drab, depressing jumpsuit of a TVA prisoner, he looked down at the unfamiliar attire, his mind filled with a whirlwind of confusion and frustration.
As he sat there, his thoughts raced, desperately seeking answers to the question that echoed in his mind: How did he end up here? He had always believed in the power of friendship, the strength of his Keyblade, and the ability to save those he loved. But now, in this darkened room, he questioned everything.
He thought back to the moment when everything changed. It was supposed to be a simple mission, a chance to rescue Kairi, the girl he held dearest to his heart. But fate had other plans, and no matter how hard he fought, how many worlds he traversed, he couldn't save her. The pain of that failure weighed heavily on his shoulders, threatening to crush his spirit.
Sora glanced down at the chunky, uncomfortable inhibitor collar around his neck, with a red light brightening the room. The inhibitor stopped Sora from using his powers and strengths to escape. His Keyblade was taken away by TVA officers for evidence. This was a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions. He had used the power of waking, a power meant to traverse hearts and save those lost in the darkness, without considering the repercussions. Chirithy warned Sora about the dangers of time travel and tampering with the flow of events, which was forbidden. Tempting fate and time is a dangerous cocktail for disaster. However, Sora had been blinded by his desperation to save Kairi.
In the silence of the room, Sora couldn't help but wonder if he had become the very thing he fought against—a force of chaos in the delicate tapestry of time. His heart ached as he questioned whether his love for Kairi had led him astray, turning him into a threat that needed to be contained.
The room itself seemed to mirror Sora's internal turmoil. Its walls were bare, devoid of any signs of life or warmth. The cold, metallic furniture and sterile surroundings only served to amplify his sense of isolation. He couldn't help but feel small and insignificant, a pawn in a grand cosmic game.
Yet, amidst the darkness that enveloped him, a flicker of hope remained. Sora knew deep down that his intentions had been pure, that his actions were born out of love and a desire to protect. He clung to the belief that the TVA would recognize his genuine heart and the sacrifices he had made.
As he waited, his mind wandered to memories of his friends—Riku, Donald, Goofy, and the countless allies he had met along his journey. He drew strength from their unwavering belief in him, even in the face of impossible odds. They had taught him the power of friendship and the importance of never giving up, even when the darkness seemed overwhelming.
Sora took a deep breath, steadying himself as he prepared to face whatever lay ahead. He couldn't change the past or undo the mistakes he had made, but he could learn from them. This experience, no matter how challenging, would be an opportunity for growth, a chance to prove that he was more than the sum of his actions.
Just as Sora was reflecting on his actions and preparing what he was going to say to the TVA interviewer, the door opened.
With a confident stride, a well dressed staff member of the TVA entered the room, emanating an air of self-assuredness. He had an easy smile that seemed to effortlessly charm those around him. His neatly combed salt-and-pepper hair exuded a sense of maturity, while his crisp suit hinted at professionalism and authority. The room seemed to brighten as he entered, his presence commanding attention. His slick grey tash was definitely a feature that drew Sora's attention for some reason, it was well presented and trimmed to perfection.
In one hand, he held a steaming cup of coffee, the aroma wafting through the room and enticing the senses. He took a leisurely sip, savoring the rich flavor before setting the cup down on the table with a satisfied smile. In the other, there seemed to be a file ready to burst, papers filling the folder so thick, it looked like it weighed a ton by the amount of paper inside.
"Hey there," greeted the man, taking a sip of his coffee. "Name's Mobius. I'm an analyst for the TVA and I'll be conducting your interview today. Hope you don't mind if I bring my coffee in with me for this. I've been working non-stop, need a caffeine pick me up."
Sora offered a nervous smile, trying to ease the tension. "No problem at all. I'm Sora. So, uh, what's this interview about exactly?"
Mobius didn't say anything but settled into a chair across from Sora and placed the thick file on the desk. The TVA analyst took another swig of his coffee, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"You know, Sora, coffee and my work have a lot in common. They both keep me grounded, help me navigate the complexities of time, and give me that extra kick to start the day. I guess you could say I'm a 'time-defending barista'."
Sora couldn't help but chuckle at the man's light-hearted comment. The agent had a way of effortlessly weaving humor into even the most serious situations, instantly putting Sora at ease. It was a small reminder that amidst the gravity of his circumstances, there was room for a touch of lightheartedness.
Mobius flipped open the file, his eyes scanning through the pages that chronicled Sora's extraordinary journey across various realms and timelines. He took a moment to appreciate the remarkable events and battles that were etched into the record.
"Alright, let's see," Mobius mumbled, running a finger along the lines of Sora's history. "Sora, son of Haley and Miyu, resident of Destiny Islands, Keyblade wielder extraordinaire."
As he continued reading, a sense of awe washed over Mobius. The sheer magnitude of Sora's accomplishments left him impressed and intrigued.
"Saving your friends and countless worlds from the clutches of darkness, battling Heartless and Nobodies... Quite the impressive resume you've got here," Mobius remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice.
His eyes widened as he came across specific entries that stood out in the file. "Ah, I see you saved Earth not once, but twice. From the Chitauri in 2012 and a misguided, genocidal robot in 2015. That's some serious heroism right there."
Mobius couldn't help but be captivated by the tales of Sora's epic battles against the forces of evil. The battles against Master Xehanort and his follwers, the triumphs in the face of insurmountable odds—it was a saga that surpassed anything Mobius had encountered before.
"Defeating The Real Organisation XIII and Master Xehanort... Now that's something you don't hear every day," Mobius exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of amazement and curiosity. "You've certainly been through your fair share of challenges."
Mobius leaned back in his chair, taking another sip of his coffee, the mischievous glint in his eyes undeterred. He cleared his throat, ready to address the matter at hand.
"Now, Sora, let's cut to the chase. Your little time travel escapades and disregard for the laws of fate have caught the attention of the TVA. Normally, we wouldn't be too thrilled about that kind of thing, but lucky for you, you didn't create any pesky branched timelines. We appreciate the effort."
As Sora sat across from Mobius in the TVA interview room, he listened intently to the agent's words. The mention of his abilities, specifically the Power of Waking and the use of time travel, brought a sense of unease. He knew that the TVA frowned upon such actions, considering them a violation of the sacred timeline.
Sora's brow furrowed as he processed Mobius' statement. "But... people like my friend Merlin, they use time travel too," he pointed out, his voice laced with confusion. "Why hasn't he been stopped or warned by the TVA?"
Mobius leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Ah, Merlin," he mused, considering the question. "Well, you see, the TVA's approach to time travel is complex. While they strive to maintain order, they also prioritise potential threats to the timeline."
Sora's curiosity grew, and he leaned forward slightly. "So, why haven't they considered Merlin a threat?"
Mobius let out a small chuckle, running a hand through his graying hair. "Merlin's use of time travel is, shall we say, more contained," he explained. "He is a wise and experienced sorcerer, and he understands the consequences of his actions. He uses time travel sparingly and with great care, ensuring that he doesn't disrupt the flow of events in significant ways."
Sora nodded, beginning to understand the distinction. "So, it's about the impact on the timeline."
"Exactly," Mobius confirmed. "The TVA's main concern is when individuals start causing significant branches and deviations, endangering the stability of the multiverse. That's when they step in."
Sora pondered this information, realizing that the TVA's judgment was based on the potential threat posed by an individual's actions rather than a blanket prohibition on time travel. It was a delicate balance, ensuring that those with the ability to manipulate time did so responsibly.
"Well, there was this one Merlin" quipped Mobius looking at the TVA prisoner, with a slight grin on his face.
Sora looked puzzled and dared to ask what did that Merlin do to tick of the TVA and unbalance everything.
"What happened with Merlin?"
Mobius paused for a moment, seemingly lost in his own amusement. "Well, let's just say Merlin got a bit carried away with his time-traveling shenanigans," he began. "You see, he had this idea to create a time loop within a time loop within a time loop... you get the idea."
Sora blinked, his confusion evident. "A time loop within a time loop? That sounds... complicated."
"Oh, it was more than complicated," Mobius chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Merlin's time loop was so convoluted that it started causing paradoxes and disruptions across multiple timelines. The TVA had to step in before the whole multiverse turned into a tangled mess."
Sora couldn't help but let out a laugh, picturing the chaotic scenario in his mind. "That sounds like something Merlin would do. But how did the TVA handle it?"
"Well, let's just say our agents had a field day trying to untangle that mess," Mobius replied, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "They chased Merlin through countless timelines, each one more baffling than the last. It was like trying to catch a mischievous rabbit in a maze of infinite carrots."
Sora burst into laughter, unable to contain his amusement. The image of the TVA agents chasing after Merlin through a maze of time loops was both ridiculous and hilarious.
"And did they catch him?" Sora asked, still chuckling.
Mobius nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "Oh, they did. Eventually," he said, his voice dripping with a hint of triumph. "They cornered him in a timeline where he accidentally turned himself into a talking frog. Let's just say he learned his lesson after that."
Sora couldn't help but double over in laughter, imagining Merlin as a befuddled frog in the clutches of the TVA. It was a comical twist to a character known for his magical mischief.
"And what happened to the frog-Merlin?" Sora managed to ask between giggles.
"Oh, don't worry," Mobius replied, a twinkle in his eye. "The TVA returned him to his original form, but not before giving him a stern warning. Merlin now knows better than to mess with the flow of time like that again."
Sora wiped away a tear of laughter, feeling a lightness in his heart. It was refreshing to have this lighthearted moment amidst the weight of their mission.
However, Sora shifted the conversation back to his own problems, his eyes meeting Mobius' gaze. "Mobius, when you're trying to save your friends and protect the world, sometimes you have to take risks. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
Mobius chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, I get it, Sora. The heart wants what it wants, right? But here at the TVA, we're all about keeping the sacred flow of time intact. We're not big fans of people monkeying around with it."
Sora looked puzzled looking at the TVA analyst. "The sacred flow of time?"
Mobius chuckled at Sora's question, his amusement evident. "Didn't you pay attention to Miss Minutes when you were being processed? She gave a whole spiel about the sacred timeline. I mean, I get it, it can be a lot to take in. But don't worry, I'll break it down for you."
He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "The sacred timeline is like the ultimate master plan of everything that's supposed to happen. Every event, every decision, every moment is meticulously woven together to create this perfect tapestry. And it's our job at the TVA to make sure that tapestry stays intact."
Sora nodded, his brows furrowing with curiosity. "But what happens if someone messes with the sacred timeline? Does it... branch off into different realities?"
Mobius nodded, a serious expression crossing his face. "Exactly. When someone messes with time and creates a new branch reality, it becomes a problem. It creates chaos, and that's where the TVA steps in. We prune those branches and trust me, pruning timelines isn't the funnest job in the world… way too much paperwork".
Sora spoke up after Mobius finished, he needed to know why he was here and being treated like a criminal.
"Mobius, what have I actually done to be sat here, handcuffed to a table and with this annoying thing around my neck which is giving me a wicked itch."
As Mobius delved deeper into the file, his eyes scanned the contents, his expression growing more serious with each passing moment. Sora watched him intently, his heart racing with a mix of curiosity and concern. What had he failed to do? What had he missed?
The TVA man pulled out a folded piece of paper from the file, unfolding it with a dramatic flourish. He tapped his finger on the page, his eyes fixed on Sora. "You see, Sora, it's not what you did. It's about what you didn't do."
Sora leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Sitting back in his chair once more, Mobius leaned back in his chair and took another sip of his coffee. He sighed, the weight of the situation evident in his eyes.
Mobius finished his coffee and cleared his throat, ready to explain the gravity of this issue that sits in front of them.
"Now, Sora, here's where things get a bit complicated. You see, when you tempted fate and abused the rules of time travel to save Kairi, that was a big no-no according to the TVA. But here's the kicker: it was supposed to happen in the sacred timeline. We had it all mapped out, every detail accounted for."
Sora's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you knew about that?"
"Oh, we know everything, Sora," Mobius declared to the surprised Keyblade wielder. "The TVA keeps up to date on all the little details."
Sora's brows furrowed in confusion. "So, if it was supposed to happen, why would it be a problem?"
The analyst continued his findings, "You see, your attempt to save your friend Kairi was always meant to happen in the sacred timeline. It was a crucial moment, a catalyst for change. But someway, somehow, you failed to save her, and that caused a branched timeline."
Sora's mind started to race again. He felt a knot in his stomach about this whole situation. He's thoughts couldnt apprehend what Mobius' was explaining.
"What do you mean failed to save her?" Sora asked, with haste and concern in his voice.
Mobius chuckled, a hint of weariness in his voice. "Ah, that's where the trouble lies. You see, Sora, by not saving Kairi when you were meant to, you created a branched timeline. It veered off from the predetermined path, and that caught our attention."
Sora's eyes widened, realization dawning upon him. "Wait, you're saying that my failure to save Kairi caused a whole new timeline?"
Mobius nodded solemnly. "Exactly. It's what we call a 'variant.' A timeline that shouldn't exist, a deviation from the sacred flow of time. And that's why we had to step in."
Leaning forward, the analyst for the TVA's expression became serious. "Let me explain in more detail. Your failure to save Kairi and bring her back to life caused a significant deviation in the timeline. Your action created a branch, an alternate reality that shouldn't exist. And that's why we had to step in."
Sora's eyes widened in realization. "So, I'm a variant? From another timeline?"
Mobius nodded. "That's correct. You exist outside of the sacred flow of time, as a result of your actions. The TVA's primary mission is to preserve the integrity of the timeline, ensuring that it remains on its intended course. When someone like you becomes a variant, it's our duty to rectify the situation."
Sora's mind raced, trying to comprehend the implications of his status as a variant. Sora's eyes widened in disbelief. "So, you're saying I'm not even supposed to be here? Am I a mistake?"
Mobius shook his head, trying to reassure Sora. "No, Sora, you're not a mistake. You're a product of circumstances, a ripple in the fabric of time. Your existence as a variant has brought you to our attention. It's our duty at the TVA to ensure the integrity of the sacred timeline, and that includes addressing any deviations."
Sora's voice quivered with concern and confusion as he looked at Mobius. "If I'm a variant and my timeline was not supposed to happen, what about Kairi? I was supposed to save her and bring her back to Destiny Islands. What happened to her variant?"
Mobius sat up straight in his chair, his brows furrowing with a mix of perplexity and intrigue. "Sora, Kairi's case is... unusual. You see, when a timeline is pruned, everything and everyone within it is erased, their existence wiped clean. But Kairi... Kairi's situation is different."
Sora's eyes widened with a glimmer of hope. "Different? What do you mean?"
The TVA agent took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. "Kairi's soul, caught in the delicate balance between the living and the dead, managed to transcend the bounds of that timeline. It now drifts, untethered, through the vast expanse of reality and space, eluding even our understanding here at the TVA."
Sora's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of relief and anxiety washing over him. "So, she's still out there? Somewhere in the depths of the multiverse?"
Mobius nodded, a touch of admiration in his gaze. "Yes, Sora. Kairi's soul persists, floating amidst the cosmic tapestry. The TVA has been unable to locate her or discern her exact whereabouts. It's as if she has become a lost fragment of the multiverse, beyond our reach."
Sora's determination ignited once more as he grasped onto the possibility of reuniting with Kairi. "Tell me, Mobius, how can I find her? How can I bring her back?"
Mobius leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Sora. "That, my friend, is the million-dollar question. We are still working on that, our research team is working around the clock to fix your mess".
Mobius sighed, his frustration evident. "You know, Sora, as much as you may think you're causing trouble, the truth is, without you and Kairi in Universe 616, things get even more complicated," he explained. "It's like a puzzle missing a few key pieces. The branches just keep sprouting up, and we have to prune them away every second."
Sora furrowed his brow, trying to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. "So, you're saying that our absence from my home is causing all these branches and headaches for the TVA?"
Mobius nodded, a hint of frustration crossing his features. "You have no idea, kid. Every second, new branches sprout up, and we have to prune them away to maintain the sacred timeline. It's like playing an endless game of whack-a-mole."
Sora sat back in his seat sombre, voice trembled with guilt as he lowered his gaze. "It's my fault... Kairi is lost out there because I couldn't save her. I failed."
Mobius leaned back in his chair, his expression softening with understanding. "Sora, I won't deny that your actions caused a significant disruption in the sacred timeline. It led to a great deal of paperwork and time-meddling to correct the branching that occurred. Kairi's variant has been a source of constant concern for the TVA, as her presence has been causing ripples throughout time and space."
Sora's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and concern crossing his features. "So, because of me, the TVA has been working to fix the timeline?"
Mobius nodded, taking a sip of his coffee before responding. "That's correct. We've been diligently cutting branches and attempting to restore order to the sacred timeline."
Sora's voice wavered as he spoke, his remorse evident. "I should have saved her. I should have brought her back to Destiny Islands. Now she's lost, and it's all my fault."
Mobius leaned forward, placing a reassuring hand on Sora's shoulder. "Listen, kid, mistakes happen. Time travel is a tricky business, even for the most experienced".
The smartly dressed analyst stood up and walked over to Sora, putting a hand on his shoulder. Sora's eyes teared up knowing he had failed to protect his timeline, his world, his friends and Kairi.
"Sora, you're not just any variant. Your past heroics, your selfless acts of bravery, and the fact that you're genuinely a good kid have caught the attention of some folks here at the TVA."
Sora's teared up eyes looked up with curiosity at Mobius. "What are you saying?"
A wry smile tugged at the corners of Mobius' lips. "We're willing to give you a chance, Sora. Despite the mess you caused, we believe in your ability to make things right. You have the potential to rectify the timeline and bring Kairi back."
Hope flickered in Sora's eyes, his heart lifting at the prospect.
"You're saying... Do you want me to help? To fix the timeline?"
Mobius nodded as he took his hand off Sora's shoulder and slid his hands into his pockets, setting the file aside and leaning forward.
"Exactly, Sora. We're enlisting your assistance to set things straight. With your unique connection to Kairi and your unwavering determination, you possess the power to correct the course of events and bring her back into the fold of the sacred timeline. It won't be easy, but we have faith in you."
The Keyblade variant's face glowed with determination and resolve, he knew he could fix this and restore order to the timeline.
"However my young, spikey haired friend, there are rules to follow," Mobius proclaimed with intent.
Pulling a small device from his pocket and with a subtle flick of his wrist, Mobius deactivated the restraints that bound Sora, removing the handcuffs and disarming the inhabitant collar. Sora rubbed his wrists, feeling the weight lifted off his shoulders.
"Consider yourself a free man, Sora," Mobius declared, setting aside the discarded restraints. "But don't think for a second that it comes without conditions."
Sora nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make things right."
The TVA analyst picked up his empty coffee cup and the file on the desk, studying Sora intently. "Firstly, you'll report directly to me. Any mission or action you undertake must receive clearance from me or a designated TVA agent. We need to ensure that you don't cause any more disruptions to the timeline."
The Keyblade variant nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll follow your lead, Mobius. I won't act without proper authorization."
Mobius raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Secondly, there will be quizzes, Sora. Lots and lots of quizzes. You'll need to study the laws of time, the intricacies of the sacred timeline, and prove that you're up to the task of fixing what you broke."
Sora's brows furrowed, a mixture of surprise and determination crossing his features. "Quizzes? I can handle that. I'll study and make sure I know everything."
The analyst chuckled, his voice filled with a touch of mischief. "I knew you'd be up for the challenge. Just remember, Sora, time is of the essence. Every moment counts, and we need to set things right as soon as possible."
Nodding in agreement, Sora's resolve solidified. "I won't let you down, Mobius. I'll work tirelessly to fix the timeline and bring Kairi back."
Mobius gave a nod of approval. "That's what I like to hear, Sora."
However, Sora's new supervisor had one more condition to lay out with the Keyblade warrior.
Sora took a deep breath, ready to embrace the responsibilities placed upon him. "And the final condition, Mobius?"
A solemn expression crossed Mobius' face as he spoke.
"Once the timeline is fixed, once Kairi's variant is safely returned and the sacred flow of time is restored, you must return to the place where you were supposed to end up—The Final World."
Sora's heart sank at the thought of parting ways with his friends and the world he had fought so hard to protect. But he knew that sacrifices had to be made to set things right. With a resolute nod, he accepted the condition.
"I understand, Mobius. I'll fulfill my duty and return to where I belong when the time comes."
Mobius extended his hand towards Sora.
"Welcome to the TVA, Sora. Your journey with us won't be easy, but I believe in your ability to make a difference. Together, we'll restore the timeline and bring Kairi back. Are you ready?"
Sora grasped Mobius' hand firmly, a determined smile on his face. "I'm ready, Mobius. Let's fix this and bring Kairi home."
As Sora and Mobius exited the interrogation room, the atmosphere felt lighter, almost hopeful. Mobius glanced at Sora with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Hey, Sora," he said, a playful tone in his voice. "Do you like Jet Skis?"