Chapter 5: Staff of Destruction: Part 1
(Land of the Departed- Training hall)
In the Land of the Departed, both Terra and Riku were having a sparring match in the training hall. Terra had performed a diagonal slash but was countered by Riku's keyblade, they then clashed with each other as if they were evenly matched.
"Take this!" Riku aimed Braveheart at Terra and fired a Dark Firaga. But Terra retaliated by entering a stance and sliced the dark fireball with the Zantetsuken technique. The taller man then charged at him with Earthshaker, ready to deliver an overhead strike. However, the silver haired teen rolled aside to dodge before it came.
As its name implied, Terra's strike was powerful enough to shake the entire ground. This caused Riku to tumble, and before he knew it, Terra was already beside Riku. With a smirk, Terra unleashed the Ars Solum, a chain of fast and powerful Keyblade strikes. Riku was forced to block every strike, but the last blow from Terra's Keyblade was so powerful that it sent him flying before hitting the ground.
"Come on Riku, are you quitting now?" Terra playfully taunted as Riku stood again, giving him a challenging smirk.
"Not even close!"
"Alright then!" Terra said with determination as well, "Let's go!" The brown haired keyblade wielder rushed at the silver haired teen with a spinning attack, but as he was about to connect, Riku put up a purple barrier and knocked Terra off balance.
"Alright, here's everything I got." Terra looked to be on guard, not knowing what Riku had up his sleeve., Riku then did a forward lunge, knocking Terra's Ends of the Earth keyblade out of his hand. "It's over!" The silver haired master called out his dark aura ability as he dashed seven times, disappearing and reappearing in different directions.
Terra was on his hands and knees, he couldn't protect himself from the attack, "I must say Riku, that was impressive. You've gotten so strong since the first time we met." Terra said, casting curaga on himself to heal his injuries now standing up.
"Yeah. Plus I have you to thank for letting me train with you."Riku said.
"It amazes me more how well you can control the darkness inside of you." Terra said as Riku soon produced some darkness as he was clenching his hand
"Wasn't easy though. At first it was drowning me and slowly I was starting to think that I would lose myself. But I remember something Ansem said to me at the keyblade graveyard. How I had a strength that was vaster than the darkness. I thought long and hard about what he meant."
"Have you now?" Terra said as he dismissed his keyblade, Riku too.
"Yeah, since I have so much riding on me. I can't afford to take it easy." Riku said with a calm voice, but also sounding mature. "It's not just Sora, but everyone means so much to me and I can't afford to stay in place. Not to let anyone slip away from me I made the mistake of letting darkness into my heart but…because of this power I was able to keep growing stronger. I know now whatever power tries to control my heart or tries to take my will but it will never be stronger than my determination."
"Well, look at you." Terra said proudly. Remembering how he met this same boy twelve years ago. He knew he was right to bequeath the power of the keyblade to him.
"Thanks. I finally fulfilled my promise to you." Riku replied back as the brown haired Keybearer nodded.
"You did. Now there's nothing left for me to teach you." Terra said as he began walking to the young keyblade master. "You're a true keyblade master, not to mention a great leader to those around you. You even found the strength to save your friends."
With Terra telling him that, Riku was still unsure about himself, "It's still not enough." He said as the brown keyblade wielder walked to him placing their hands on his shoulders and smiling proudly at him.
"The very fact you were able to make your way here proves just how strong you are." Terra said, continuing to his successor, "That is why I called you here."
"That's the reason?" Riku said, if that's it then why train.
"You expected more?"
"Yes." That was all Riku could say as they started laughing, just as Ven and Aqua came into the training hall. Ven asked what they were laughing about, but Terra just put on a mature face telling him that it's a secret. But that only made Ven want to know even more., As Terra walked away, Ventus began following him, and the two keyblade masters were standing side to side.
"Are you sure about this?" The silver haired master said to the blue haired one.
"Yes, but don't worry, I'm not alone this time." Aqua replied back as she slowly walked to Ven and Terra. The wayfinder trio summoned their keyblades with each of the tips glowing as the three brought them together, a portal open. All three of them nodded together, telling each other that they were ready.
The trio then tapped the piece of armor on the left side of their arms activating them, now proceeding in full armor. Ven and Aqua were the first to enter, but before Terra could enter the gate, he looked back at Riku. No words were exchanged, but it looked like they were communicating with their eyes.
After the silent talk they had with each other , Terra followed his friends through the doorway as it closed behind him. Riku just stood there, wishing his friends and mentor good luck and to stay safe.
(Radiant Garden)
Over in Radiant Garden, otherwise known as the city of light, in a small shack that was near the housing district Riku had met with Aerith, Leon, Cid, and Yuffie to discuss the matter of how to find their best friend, who was still missing.
"But if we still remember him, then he must still be with us." Aerith said, remembering how this was not like a year ago where they forgot about Sora.
"Yes, that would stand to reason." Leon agreed with her.
"But we've been searching everywhere for Sora, and we haven't found a single clue. If he's really out their don't you think we would have found something by now." The silver haired master stated.
"Hmmm?" The black haired ninja hummed. He was right, it has been weeks since the search for the keyblade wielder who was gone and nothing turned up. There were no clues, or ideas to where to find him, Leon then spoke what was on his mind.
"Cid's been looking into the date for a while now. Aren't the people in the castle doing the same thing? No one's found anything yet?" Leon asked with Riku replying that it's not in their experience just as the dark haired ninja looked to Cid who was still typing away on the computer, she wondered if he had anything.
"Come on, Cid!" Yuffie expressed with anxiety, "Can you throw us a bone here, please?" She said eager to know if he has anything they can learn. But unfortunately the man with blonde hair just growled at the ninja, who asked about the last million times.
"Be quiet! I'm trying!" Cid barked "You think this is so easy then why don't you do it!" He yelled as he turned his attention to the computer, Yuffie was just annoyed, shouting back at Cid.
"Cid, you are a million times worse than a broken record!" The gang laughed at her choice of words.
"By the way, how are the others? Leon questions.
Riku before explaining what the rest of the guardians of light had been doing.
"Well Mickey, Donald, and Goofy are searching for clues in every past world Sora's been to. Terra, Ven, and Aqua went to the realm of darkness. And the Twilight Town gang are studying Roxas and Xion memories."
"And what about Kairi?" Aerith asked but Riku looked melancholy as she brought her up he hesitated before answering her.
"Kairi...she believes her heart might hold a clue about Sora. Right now, she's currently sound asleep while they search her heart." The keyblade master said while looking down yet his face was unreadable.
"So there's been no progress?" The female brunette said, looking at the floor.
No progress that's putting lightly, over four weeks of searching and no evidence to where he vanished too, they all knew this wasn't going to be easy, especially with what master Yen Sid had to say.
Flashback
All Guardians of Light, including Isa, Naminé and the Twilight Town gang were reunited with Yen Sid in his room at Mysterious Tower. The elderly wizard explained to them Sora's situation and none of them took the news well, mostly the closest to him, especially a certain red headed girl.
"Master Yen Sid, are you- please tell us that's not true!?" The Silver haired master said with disbelief and sadness in his voice. Thought the master looked down not wanting to repeat himself
"As I explained Sora is banished from his world and has entered another one, one that is most cut off from other worlds that you have all traveled to." The retired master said stroking his beard
"But at the very least he's alive and well, right?" Isa, who folded his arms, asked the retired master.
"Unfortunately, since Sora's now in a new world, a world that is most far from my sight I can not be certain to his condition." Master Yen Sid said to everyone in the room. "He is more than likely still in our universe but he is on his own right now."
"N-No… It's not true … I" Kairi's skin turned white, the feeling in her legs were about to give out she was about to faint if it weren't for Naminé catching her. Donald and Goofy looked down to the ground with sorrow.
Riku wasn't doing well enough; he was trying hard to prevent his anger from getting the best of him while everyone in the room had their own look of unpleasantness, regret, or shame.
"Seriously guys, you need to get it memorized." Lea, who was formally called Axel, spoke up, getting everyone's attention. "This is Sora. The guy gets into danger and always comes out fine in the end, I'm sure he's okay." He said, trying his best to lighten the mood with his usual attitude, this atmosphere was just depressing.
"Axel, we're not doubting Sora, but this isn't the same. Yeah, he can fight over a thousand heartless, but he's only human and he's trapped in a world that's different from his own!" Roxas clarified as Naminé added that Sora no longer has the power of waking so he can't open gates anymore. The girl in white said as the red headed man bit his lip not wanting to start an argument.
"I...I'm so sorry. I'm sorry everyone." Kairi who was with tears in her eyes said. "This...This is all my fault. If I was just stronger, if I didn't get captured again." Her voice broke with the others trying to console her as she wiped the river of tears off her face.
"Kairi, it's not your fault." Riku said wanting her to cheer up but she merely continued to cry, telling him that it is her fault she wanted to protect Sora this time but she only made it worse.
"Look at me Kairi." Aqua said in a calm and gentle voice. "You fought hard and did all you could, none of this is your fault, not at all." The blue haired master with consideration not wanting to blame but as rain fell from her eyes the silver haired master looked to the side clenching his fist.
"Aqua's right, it's my fault. You shouldn't blame yourself, I should have gone with Sora but I chose to go after Ansem." Riku who was irritated at himself said as he felt that he should be judged.
"If you're looking for someone to blame then blame me, technically it's my fault you got captured in the first place." Lea said, gritting his teeth.
"Axel, you were injured." Xion said
"She's right, there wasn't anything you could do." Roxas added. "We're the ones who should have done something but we just froze." Roxas and Xion turned to Kairi's apologizing to her as Isa raised his voice.
"If a person should be at fault then it should be on me. After all, I was the one who held you all back." The former organization member Isa said glaring at the wall feeling guilt eating him inside.
Lea looked at his old friend wanting to say something but was unsure what to say so he stayed silent. Everyone felt powerless, their friend was trapped all alone, and they had no way to reach him. all was hopeless until Donald and Goofy decided to speak up.
They were telling everybody in the room to not worry, that Sora wouldn't want everyone to feel so upset, no matter what kind of trouble comes their way they always find a way to move forward. No amount of darkness could ever stop them. Ventus was up to bat smiling, saying that right after he was inside of Sora for so long, he knew that their fellow keyblade wielder wouldn't want to be sad for long; he started to look for a way home.
Everyone looked at the three who were at center stage, and a little hope came back to the guardians including Kairi who's eyes were red, Sora's is always happy, go lucky and upbeat so yeah he wouldn't be down for long. Riku and Kairi who was with Sora the most knew that Ven's words are true, he wasn't going to mope around he tried to look at the positive.
The guardians of light started to smile softly, he wouldn't be sad and neither were they, more likely he would try to find a way home... and so would they.
"Alright everyone. You know what we need to do now, right." Terra said getting everyone's as they nodded including Kairi who was done crying. "Master." The brown haired keyblade wielder turned to the retired master.
"Yes. As of right now we should look for a way to find Sora." Yen Sid said to everyone in the room.
"What about the power of waking?" Donald told the master as Goofy was also agreeing with him. But the king told them that wouldn't be a smart Idea.
"Mickey's right, I mean it could lead us to whatever world Sora's in but we don't know anything about this mystery world." Riku with a comprehensive tone told the anthropomorphic duck and dog as they pouted as the keyblade master reason. "For all we know, this world might not have the same method of travel."
"He's right. Not all worlds operate the same, this place could be once in no way out kind of world. ''Aqua stated in a serious voice.
"Meaning we should for a method for safe travel to and from."
The group agreed with the blue haired master, this world is more then likely cut off from others they have been to so first they had to find away to this unknown world. Yes the guardians need to find a doorway that could lead them to their lost keybearer as well as return home without any problems.
Flashback end
The gang are still searching for some kind of clue. Even master Yen Sid along with the three fairies and Merlin were trying to see if they could locate their spikey haired companion.
Riku and everyone in Merlin's house still had a sadden look on their face as Cid asked why don't they just use the power of waking as Sora did. Fact is they won't use it for two reasons, one: it would likely take them to Sora but it wouldn't bring them back, Aqua said that once they enter, they might have to find a different method to come back. Second: if they did decide to use it, it would be used as a last resource if no evidence turned up not only that, they would be sending two guardians while the rest stayed behind.
Cid sighed at the explanation as Aerith decided to speak up. "I wish we could do a little more."
"All we can do is have faith and believe in him." Leon commented as the group started to smile one by one.
"I mean this is Sora we're talking about." Riku recalled all the trouble he's been in and previously coming out unscathed.
"Yeah wherever he is, I'm sure he's doing alright." Yuffie added knowing no danger will ever stop him. Unfortunately little did they know...
(Halkeginia)
A few days after the whole incident at count Motts estate, word had passed about monsters attacking him as well as a man in black and or to specify a boy wielding a sword in shape of a key, by himself defending the injured nobleman.
The news was shocking throughout the kingdom. A dangerous noble with strange and unusual powers that allows him to summon monsters, this man alone could bring the whole kingdom to its knees.
Now that it was over it was on with school life and the upcoming familiar exhibition that is taking place tomorrow. Sora asked what that was, Louise explained that all the second year students are to show off their familiars abilities to the rest of the class. She however didn't want to participate since everyone here knows what he's capable of and she could do with less attention from her familiars skills after all he could be hiding even more tricks even she didn't know.
So maybe he could do something simple like song or dance, Sora understood this basically it was a talent show, maybe he could make the crowd laugh with a few silly faces but Louise...
"Whoa!" Sora exclaimed, clapping the whip in both hands. "That is not the reaction I was going for!"
"Making faces, that seriously the best you got!" Louise shouted with a tick mark on her forehead. "*Sigh, you have no manners, no etiquette when you talk and even your walking is questionable at best." Louise pouted sitting on the bed as Sora was sitting in his straw bed.
"You don't have to be so blunt."
"Be quiet." Said Louise as she was thinking of a way to perform without any distraction had her eyes on the sword leaning against the wall "Right you could demonstrate your sword skills."
"You want me to show them this?" The keyblade wielder asked as Louise sat on her bed.
"You don't even have to use magic."
"That's not a bad idea. But you of all people know what powers can really do, and what they're really used for. I know you still remember my fight with Guiche, or the heartless at count Mott's home."
Louise realized he does have a point "True. I mean I'm glad that Siesta is back, and no damage was done. But something about what happened just set me on edge. I thought you and your friends defeated that group of nobodies?" Said Louise
"We did. If he's right then something is definitely wrong here." Sora said slightly worried, a survivor of Organization XIII that shouldn't be possible but if count Mott was right why and what is this person planning.
"Anyway, what are you going to do?" Louise asked Sora.
"It's like a talent show right? I can do some flips if you want me to?" The keyblade wielder said as he did a back handspring into a cork, "Ta da!" He smiled as he landed on his feet.
"You think that will impress them. Those are childish tricks at best." She complained "Listen you have two days to figure out something that will make the crowd go wild, got it." Louise told Sora who gave a salute as she exited the room.
"Aye Ma'am."
(Outside)
Sora was now outside swinging his kingdom key in perfect motion as jumped in the air doing an aerial spiral and ending his air dance with a magic flash landing safely on the ground. "What do I do?" The brown haired teen said, falling backwards to the grass now lying down.
[I actually agree with that noble girl, it wouldn't hurt to show off a little.] Derf said
"Well you're a sword, don't you have any amazing tricks that will wow the crowd?" Sora as he had his hands behind his head.
[Sorry kid but I'm only combat useful no tricks.]
Well It was kinda obvious and if anything goes wrong at the exhibition then someone could get hurt... well if he doesn't use magic and if he holds back a little it will be fine.
But as he stared off into the clear blue sky his mind rushed back to count Motts word about a man in black, organization thirteen the sworn enemies to the guardians all of them were defeated and they should have returned to their respective times so why, why is one here and sending heartless too; the keyblade wielder question who could it be?
Sora was shutting his eyes drifting off into his sleep as he question who this mysterious character that was here with him was, and like that he fell asleep.
(30 minutes later)
Sora woke up and saw the sun was being blocked by some clouds. It was a relaxing nap as he yawned; watching the cloud pass a figure loomed over his head. "Hello Sora." A certain dark haired maid said, smiling at the boy.
"Siesta?" He said to the girl who was over him. "What up?" He asked but for some reason he felt something soft and warm on the back of his head, he turned both sides and realized what this feeling was. "Uh, am I... in your lap?" He asked lightly blushing
"I thought you would like it." She said as both of them stood up, Sora didn't know what to say about that.
"Uh, thanks?" He awkwardly thanked her and he asked what he was doing earlier as he replied back to her that he was getting ready for the familiar exhibition that was taking place soon.
"Oh yes, I know that you are going to demonstrate your sword play right?" She asked in excitement.
"I don't know if I want to try something else. How do you feel about juggling." He joked as the maid lightly chuckled.
"Well that would be fun to watch, I really want to see you use your keyblade like the last time."
"You guys really want to see my abilities don't you?" the keybearer said as Derf was saying should show off those moves.
"And not only that, lady Henrietta will appear as well. I'm also sure that she will be amazed by your skills." She adds causing the spikey haired teen to ask a question.
"Henrietta?"
(Principal's office)
Meanwhile Miss Longueville and Osmond were going over plans for the familiar exhibition.
"Going over the details for tomorrow. Cleaning the campus, arranging for VIP seating and the banquet need to be in order as well. And with Mr.Colbert supervision for tomorrow we're seemingly making it ahead of schedule." She said to her boss but it looked like he wasn't listening to her as he glanced downward.
Motsognir was right underneath the thief trying to get an eyeful of her panties. By order of his master he was about to see the color but quickly ran to his master's shoulder as the mouse was about to be stepped on.
"Oh boy, that could've gone bad. I'm glad that you are okay." He said bring the mouse closer to his ear. "And the color for today is?" The mouse squeaked into his ear, "What do you mean you couldn't get a good look?! Damn." He sighs as the secretary was right in front of him with a dark smile.
"Dirty old man!" She shouted as she began beating him.
"Be gentle with the elderly!" Osmond said as she continued beating the headmaster.
"Owwwwwwwwwwwwww!"
"So the princess of this kingdom is coming here?" Sora asked who Henrietta was, which Siesta explained.
"Yes, after our king passed away, princess Henrietta became the symbol of this nation. Everyone adores her."
"Well I've met a few royals during my travels; I can say she must have a good heart if she is loved by everyone." Sora replied back as he saw some students training with their familiars. "Wow, they're giving it their all."
"Of course, with the princess coming everyone wants to show their best." She remarked "And I know you will take the top."
"I don't really care about winning as long as we're having fun, that's all that matters right." He said to her as she should have known he would say that, she smiled at him. "Hey, about Count Mott, he didn't try to do anything weird right?" He said as he was still worried about her.
"No, but he was close, I think I should be glad that the heartless came." She voiced with anxiety and nervousness remembering how he was planning to have his way her, of course she can do magic but was afraid to do so.
She still was a little shook up if being a servant to a perverted noble wasn't bad enough, having monsters attack you on the same night how bad can a person fortune be so bad. If Sora and the others hadn't came when they did, she didn't know what would happen, now recalling her job.
"Well I have to get back to work, we're still preparing for the fair." Siesta said
"Oh, let me help out." Sora said as the dark haired girl shook her head as Siesta grabbed both his hands and looked directly into the eyes.
"Just go out there and give us your best. I'll be cheering you on." She said blushing as she quickly left, leaving Sora standing there. She has been acting weird. First the kiss, now a lap pillow, he wondered if... no there's no way that it. Now back to the question of what to do about the exhibition
He cupped his chin and looked deeply into the sky thinking about what he should do. He soon smiled as he had an idea come to his mind. [So, have you thought about what you want to do?] Derf asked.
"Yeah. Something that will definitely wow the crowd." Said Sora with a smile
"I'm telling you I'm going to come out on top. Flame and I will show you, now spin." She commanded her familiar as he breathed fire that began to twist like a tornado. "How about you, Marlicorne?" She said to the chubby student with blonde hair, who whistled for his servant an owl.
"Good, me and Cubarcil route are going well." Marlicorne replied back as everyone else was doing their own thing.
Montmorency's frog practiced her singing before its master then put a small ribbon similar to hers leaving the amphibian confused.
Sylphid was performing aerobatic maneuvers while her master was quietly reading.
Guiche finally was training his mole in the art of 'elegance' but really all the two did was stare at each other while the playboy blonde had his rose wand in his mouth.
"Hey guys." Malicorne got the attention "I have a question, who do you think is likely to win?" The chubby blonde asked the group
Kirche flicked her hair telling classmates it will be her as Guiche then said that it will be him and Verdandi who will take the top as he had his rose in his mouth acting all coy. The fat blonde sweated a little telling them that was not what he meant, what he was trying to say is that between Louise's and Tabitha's familiars who is most likely to win.
Everyone except Tabitha started to think about the question, yes between Sylphid and Sora who would be the better familiar. That was something that they had to see during the day of the fair.
Night had come and the twin moons shone brightly in the sky. All the students and staff were asleep, well, all but Mr.Colbert who was standing outside the vault where the staff of destruction lay. "Please have guards at the front of the gate for tomorrow."
"Sir!" The leader of the guards replied, with the teacher nodding.
"Mr.Colbert." With his name being called the bald turned as saw Miss Longueville
"You're really reassigning the guards from the treasure vault to the gate?"
"Well it is a sudden visit, so we're short staff." The teacher said
"But Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt will be after what's inside this room." She reminded the teacher about the thief who has been lurking around, stealing from the nobility.
"I doubt that she will be coming here with the princess coming even she wouldn't cause a scene. Not to mention that there's a powerful enchantment place in the door not even triangle class mages can break through it." He replied back with a reassuring smile to her saying that the guards are just for decoration to please the palace.
"Hmm... You're right, I shouldn't let trivial things get to me." The secretary said, feeling more calm now, "Why don't you head back? I'll join you shortly." She innocently smiled at him,he nodded telling her not to stay up too late as he proceeded down the flight of stairs, she dropped her facade and called out a name in the shadows. "I know you're here Xigbar, enough playing around."
And just like that a black portal opened up and the last organization member stepped out, "Wow you knew I was watching that impressive." He said in a sarcastic voice while keeping his devilish smile underneath his hood.
"Cut the crap!" She said with slight anger in her voice "Do you mind telling me, what the hell you were thinking!"
"You're gonna have to be more specific?" He said uncaring as she reached into her pocket and pulled out piece of paper that was rolled up she opened it to reveal a picture of the individual
"This is what I'm talking about, you attack a noble man. And not just any noble, he has connections to the palace!" She said, still in anger, how stupid that was.
"Chill out, I just want to watch how Sora progressed and I can say without a doubt he's gotten stronger." Xigbar remarked at the young keybearer's new technique but still knows he has at least one more trick up his sleeve.
"I'm sure that there are easier ways to do that?" The secretary guessed but the man in black paid little attention to her his eye focused on the large door and he asked if this was where that staff was hidden. "Yes but I don't know how to get past the barrier, I'll admit this even has me troubled."
"You're getting cold feet." He teased the green haired woman as she was offended.
"Of course not, I'm Fouquet!" She defended her pride. "There is nothing in this world that I cannot steal!"
"Well I see your determination but you need to watch out for Sora, kid will stop you in your tracks."
"I'm not afraid of some kid. I can take him." She said as Xigbar laughed hard, feeling like he busted a gut. If he had a nickel for every time he heard that.
"Hahaha, *sigh* man, everyone who said that ended up singing their swan songs I mean I take him but I'm choosing not too, at least not yet anyway. Have you ever heard the phrase 'know your enemy' well that's what I'm doing waiting for the right moment, as should you do it right and the staff is yours, time it wrong and your butt's going to jail." He said to the secretary who had a look of confusion she didn't know if he was trying to help or just give her a puzzle to solve.
"Well what am I supposed to do then?"
Xigbar didn't say anything but only to whisper in her ear his plan. She gasped as he finished explaining the logistics of his idea to her. "...Are you serious?"
"Of course I am. I know Sora and trust me that kid can't help but be the hero in everything."
(The next morning)
All the students were outside awaiting the arrival of their nation's princess. Three carriages that were being accompanied by knights, one carriages had a different color than the other two, it had a white and purple design with a rose pattern. And instead of horses the carriage was being pulled by unicorns.
Inside the wagon, there seem to be two individuals inside, one a woman, the other a teenage girl. 'I finally get to see you again, my old friend.'
"All hail princess Henrietta, lady of the Kingdom of Tristain!" One of the soldiers shouted as the carriage came to a complete stop and one of the knights opened the door and out came the lady herself, the princess was a beautiful girl who looked no older than the students around her. She had unique short violet hair that reached her shoulders with a tiara on top of her head and a pair of light blue eyes. She also wore a pure white dress adorned with jewels under her long purple cape.
Everyone was all but captivated by her beauty, well, all but a few. "The princess, how beautiful..." Guiche said as he was one of those people.
"That's the princess of Tristain." Kirche said it as she was unimpressive. "I have twice the look she does, don't you think so Tabitha."
"I don't know?" That was all she said
"So that's the princess of this kingdom huh?" Sora uttered as he's met so many princesses in the past not really sure what to say he turned to Louise and about to ask her what she thought but only to see her smile she had an actual smile on her face for the first time. Sora could believe it she was actually smiling all the time she could only scowl and get angry for no reason so seeing this was a turn around.
The princess came face to face with old Osmond who was kneeling. "Forgive me for this sudden and selfish request, Mr. Osmond."
"Do not be, Your Highness." The old mage replied, still kneeling, "We have been awaiting your arrival along with the students."
"I wanted to see this year's exhibition with my own eyes." Henrietta explained which earned her a look from Osmond.
"And why would that be?" He asked, curious.
With a smile, the princess then replied, "It's a personal reason."
(Louise room-night)
"So have you thought about using your keyblade for the evaluation fair tomorrow?" Louise asked, sitting in her bed wearing her sleep wear.
"Yeah but that's not all I'll do."
"What do you mean 'not all?" She asked not liking what he might do, "Your not planning to do something stupid are you?"
"It's a secret." Sora said, Louise demanded that he tell her what he's doing for she didn't want him to embarrass her but all he did was say that it wouldn't be a secret if he said it. The pink haired girl was rubbing her temples. His child-like attitude only annoyed her even more.
Not wanting her head to hurt even more she just sigh, telling him that he can do whatever he wants just as long as he doesn't humiliate. Sora just smiled and told her that he won't let her down. "Don't worry I promise. Nothing is gonna happen and I promise if something does go wrong, I won't let it happen!"
"*Sigh", alright." That was all she said when all of a sudden
Knock, Knock.* Louise and Sora heard the sound of someone knocking on the door.
"Who could that be at this hour?" Said Louise.
"Got me?" Replied Sora as he opened the door and saw a cloaked figure entering the room.
"Who-Who are you!?" Louise questions the mysterious people who was right in front of her whereas Sora stood defensively in front of Louise with his keyblade pointed right at the individual with a scowl.
"Please, put your sword away. I mean you no harm." Sora looks perplexed while Louise is surprised.
"What a minute I know that voice!" Louise said the figure pulled back the hood revealed their face.
And it was none other than then princess Henrietta herself as she deeply hugged her "I missed you Louise Françoise."
"Princess." She said returning the hug before pulling away "Your highness, you shouldn't be here, in a place that is unfit for your stature." She said kneeling before majesty, as the violet haired girl did not care.
"No need for formality Louise, we're friends are we not?" Henrietta said
"You're too kind to me, Lady Henrietta." Louise replied back.
Sora was confused "Wait a minute, Louise do the two know each other?" Sora question as his master explained to him.
"Yes. You see the princess and I have been friends since childhood." Said Louise calmly "We used to play together all the time, she would even come and visit me at home as well. Honestly to the Founder himself, it was an honor being friends with her."
"Please, Louise Françoise. There is no need for any of that." The princess said with a light glint in her eyes.
Sora watch the two girls talking to one another and reminiscing about the past, he look at the ground with a kinda nostalgic look on his face. These girls had a rather strong connection to one another. Seeing them act love like this was closer to sister's rather then friends. The guardian of light thought about his best friends, his rival, his brother.
"Sora!" Louise called out snapping him back to reality "Why are looking dazed?"
"Uh sorry, I was thinking about something." He replied. "Anyway, it's nice to meet you, your highness, my name's Sora. It's an honor to meet you." He gave a bow to her majesty who returned the favor doing a curtsy.
"It's an honor to meet up as well, Mr.Sora." Said the princess "Although I heard about you from Count Mott."
"Oh yeah. How's he been?"
Louise quickly grabbed Sora's head in an apologetic bow. "I'm so sorry my lady. Please forgive my familiar for his rudeness!"
"Ow,ow, my hair!"
The princess gave a light chuckle kneeling in front of her friend and her familiar. "It's fine Louise. Actually I wanted to meet him."
"Your highness, why would you want to meet him? He's just a commoner, no different from a dog." Louise asked while Sora gave a subtle glare that 'Dog' commented again.
"It was in his report, a man dress in a all black coat came in and summoned a horde of monsters that attractive attacked him, but when he was close to meet his end a young boy with brown haired spiky showed up with a key-like sword in his hand and took out every last on." Henrietta explain as her eyes were on Sora "And that person was you, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, at first I wanted to ask him something, then the heartless came. I know he's not exactly a likable guy but I don't turn the other way when someone is in danger." Said the keyblade wielder with pure light in his eyes
"So Sora, what do you know about this man?"
Sora stood up along with the two girls as he explained "Well the monsters that this guy summoned, they're call the heartless. Monsters that are spawned from the darkness that lives in people's hearts. When they give in to their own dark emotions..." The keyblade wielder pulled out his gummiphone and showed her pictures of some heartless. "...They become those."
He handed her his phone as she got a better look. She shudders seeing these monsters.
"What do they want?"
"Well heartless steal hearts, and once they do that can multiply creating more and more." The princess gasped
"And some can control these creatures?"
"Actually, your highness. Anyone can control them with enough will, My familiar already explained this to me before." Louise continued "The person in black is from a group that was called Organization XIII and apparently they were defeated by him and his allies."
"Organization XIII?" Henrietta repeated
"Yeah. They're nothing but a bunch of chickens. All they ever do is manipulate, and discard anyone they could use. Me and my friend included!" Sora wore a sour face remembering the times that he, Roxas and others were just tools to them.
The girls could see his expression but Louise was the only one who knew why he looked like that. However the princess expresses her own worries, lately she has been hearing rumors and people mysteriously vanishing into thin air, no trace of them, they're just gone.
"Is there any way to stop them?" Asked Henrietta as Sora wore a grin.
"Yeah. With this!" Sora summoned his keyblade in his hand. "Heartless are pure darkness and my keyblade is a weapon of light, it's the only thing that can destroy them for good."
Henrietta looked at his weapon "If I may, might I inspect it?" The princess asked as Sora nodded, giving her the kingdom key; despite its size it was rather light though it didn't have any sharp edges on it, just how can something like this function as a weapon? Her thinking was cut short when it disappeared from her hands and reappeared in Sora's hand.
"What happened?" The princess said
"Sorry. Forgot to mention that these things are very picky." Sora scratch the back off his head as Louise was yelling at him.
"Are you saying that she isn't worthy of your weapon! I can't believe you would make a fool of her majesty!" She marched forward as Sora pushed his left hand out and was holding onto her forehead with ease.
"I'm sorry, I forgot." He replied holding Louise back with his superhuman strength as the princess laugh at the two for this interaction between familiar and master
A few minutes later Sora and Louise were seeing the princess out the door.
"This is the most fun I had these past years. Thank you Louise." Henrietta said hugging her best friend.
"Me as well. Princess". She replied back as Sora gently smiled at the two girls looking at them made him remember all his friends back home, they all must be worried sick, probably trying to find him as well.
Sora also was worried about how they were handling things without him, and how Kairi was feeling. She was the closest person who was there when he vanished after all, he couldn't begin to fathom the pain he caused her. 'I promise you and I are going to be together again, and when we do, there's something I have to tell you.'
"...ora, Mr.Sora." Sora snapped out of his trans as Henrietta called out his name.
"Oh, uh, Sorry what were we talking about?" Sora said confused
"You seem lost, more then usual?" Louise bluntly said as Sora tilted his head as the princess lightly laugh.
"I just want to will you the vest of luck for tomorrow." She told him as he smile at her.
"Thanks a lot. I promise it will be a show you won't soon forget!" Said Sora
"Well then Louise, Mr.Sora. I bid you a good night."
"Good night princess." Louise said to her best friend.
"Night." Sora said to the princess before she took her leave "But you know, you don't have to call me Mr. Just Sora, okay, friends do call each other by their names right?" He said smiling, folding his arms at the princess. She looked at Sora with surprise that he called her a friend while Louise was angry.
"She is the princess of this kingdom! She doesn't have time to be friends with the likes you, and another thing show her more respect!" Louise yelled at the spikey haired teen before turning to the princess bowing her head "I'm so sorry my lady, I've been trying to teach this idiot how to be more settle but I haven't made any progress."
She apologize as Henrietta shook her head "Louise it's fine." Henrietta told her pink haired she tried to speak but was interrupted "Really Louise, I don't mind. Actually it nice to meet someone who doesn't stand on formality." She said as the purple haired princess locked eyes with Sora "So Sora, I would like to be friends with you." Henrietta replied with a kind and gentle smile causing Sora to smile back.
"Thanks, Henrietta." Louise couldn't believe that he called the princess by her name. With that she took her leave as Sora closed the door behind her. "You really have a good friend Louise." His words didn't reach the girl who was standing next to him.
"...How?"
"How what?"
Louise got to the point "I mean how is it so easy for you to make friends?" She ask in confusion. She didn't understand how he can make friends with anyone, like with how he suddenly became friends with Guiche after their first fight, but then again he befriended a walking skeleton and a snow monster before was their some sort of trick to it?
"I'm just being myself really. And honestly, I like meeting new people and seeing new things too." He gave the most simple answer he could say to her as she slowly process his words 'just being himself'.
To her she is always alone with her family shunning her out and at school she is constantly being mistreated because of her abilities, but with him he is so open and welcoming to others. Part of her could feel envy.
"Hey you okay?" Soar asked with a hint of worry.
"Just fine, now go to sleep." Said Louise as she got under her cover and Sora was leaning against the but not before giving Louise a small glance, but as he thought her sleeping she was still awake, feeling inadequate to Sora everything feels so easy for him, he can use magic, he makes friends with anyone he comes across, and he was chosen by fate herself to serve a much larger purpose. Where as she couldn't do anything and no one would pay attention to the pinkette and even if they did they would only tell her that she was no more then a failure a Zero through and through.
Today's the day; The familiar evaluation fair was today, and everyone was showing their practice routines that they've been working on the last two days. No one was holding back and with the princess here, they were even more determined.
Up to finally bat was Sora and Louise the walked into the stage after Tabitha and her dragon ended their flying routine. She was scared he would do something dumb since last night, the princess, her class were watching what he was about to do.
"Hey everyone my name is Sora and I'm Louise's familiar." He greeted as he was on stage. Louise was nervous while everyone else was eagerly awaiting for his performance.
"Please don't mess this up." Louise warned.
"Don't worry." Said the keybearer "Just get ready!" He summon his hero origin keyblade.
Louise only raised her brow. Sora raised his arm out and brought forth the hero's origin keyblade transforming it into the counter shield. Everyone, including the princess was shocked to see that he had another one of those even more when they saw him transform his sword in to a shield but that was only the tip of the iceberg.
The crowd was even more amazed when Sora threw his shield in the air, transforming it into a chariot with a pegasus in the front. "Your chariot awaits, my lady." Sora took Louise's hand and jumped on to the chariot as the winged horse began to fly with the two of them. The students couldn't believe what just happened unfortunately for Kirche she was biting her nail in frustration, why is Zero getting a ride with him!
Louise was holding on tightly on Sora trying not to fall off. Sora said to her that it's okay nothing bad was going to happen as they were soring higher in the air. Passing through the clouds, Sora resin in the pegasus and started to descend back on stage just before disappearing in a flash of light as Sora held Louise in his arms.
The crowd applauded and so did the princess for the display except for Kirche they thought that they saw everything about Louise's familiar but clearly not. Louise was gently placed on her feet as Sora took a bow holding Louise's hand. The keyblade wielder smiled at her and in turn her head to the side hiding the smile that dawned on her face at him as she dropped the look of joy on her face, they both took another bow.
With the exhibition coming to a close the princess went on stage to announce the final results. Everyone was on their seats waiting for the winner to be called out. "All of you and your familiars performed beautifully. Today was an event that I will not forget I see the strength and connections that you all share, and now without further ado it time to announce the winner of this year's familiar exhibition!" She announced as everyone waited patiently.
"And the winner of this year's familiar exhibition is-." As the princess was announced the winner a sudden tremor came out and one of the students screamed as the others were in a panic as the princess looked behind her and saw a giant creature welding and what looked to be an ax. This was the Rock Troll.
The large heartless brought down its ax with a mighty swing directly at the princess destroying the stage. The crowd of students ran off as they assumed that their princess was...
(Play- Shrouding Dark Cloud)
"Your highness!"
"What on earth is that thing?!" Guiche said in fear.
"I don't know, just run!" Montmorency yelled out as she and everyone else got to a safe distance.
Louise looked at the stage in horror was her best friend...dead. She point her wand in anger wanting avenger but was stop by Sora who ran to her side and much to her surprised the princess was unscathed as she was in his arms completely safe.
"Princess Henrietta!" Sora put her down and Louise embrace her deeply. "Your alive, how?"
"I wouldn't be if it wasn't for Sora, at the last minute he got me away from the danger." The princess said to her friend who looked at the brown haired keyblade wielder. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it." He said "I'm glad I made it in time." Sora turned his attention to the Heartless as he summoned the wheel of fate into his hand preparing for a battle.
"Hold on!" Louise grabbed his arm. "Don't tell us you're planning on fighting that Heartless?"
"At the very least I'll have my soldiers-." The princess said. But was cut off by Sora.
"Don't." Sora said in a calm authority "I can take care of this."
"That's dangerous." She said
"Don't worry, I promise you guys I'll be fine." Sora said to the girls with confidence. Henrietta and Louise looked at him and he was serious.
Louise said to her childhood friend to let him handle the situation, if he says he can do it then let him fight
But their wasn't any time to argue, the rock troll was right on top of them, Sora cast reflect, protecting the two girl as stones came flying at them. "Go! Now!" Sora exclaimed.
[So tell me you got a plan!] Delf asked.
"Yeah." Sora replied as he took his fighting stance"It's to protect my friend." Sora air slide at the rock heartless striking at it repeatedly, as the large monster grabbed him from the air and harshly throw him to the ground leaving in impression in the dirt. Sora quickly got out and performed his Grand Chariot sending pillars at the rock monster he is then quickly shot a large fire balls towards it.
The rock troll heartless stumble backwards as it jumped on to it's axe spinning with it as stones came flying at Sora, who sliced each one with ease as he was now using his flowmotion, to rush at blinding speed as he did diagonal slash as well as a flipping slash upward.
Everyone was at a far distance watching the fight. No one was expecting this, this was supposed to be a good day everyone just having fun. Louise and Henrietta were trying to get everyone to calm down but Louise couldn't a master letting her familiar fight alone, fearing that if he loses he couldn't...
The fight continued, Sora was in his second form as the heartless slammed it's axe in the earth creating shockwave throwing the keybearer off balance as it was swinging it's weapon sending Sora flying to the stage with a loud thud. Now the rock troll brought it ax to its face almost like it was wearing it like a mask, soon after the rock heartless roared as its skin had a reddish tint.
"I hate when that happens." Complained Sora
[What happened?] Derf asked as Sora told the sword that its defense was raised so it would be harder to beat. [Well that sounds dandy.]
The Rock Troll rushed at Sora who slid underneath the Heartless. He swapped out the Kingdom key back to his wheel of fate, he soon transformed into his strike form and the keyblade changed into the highwind spear. He began jabbing and spinning the spear in his hand in variance motions, pushing the Heartless back a good distance. As Sora took a short breath he looked at his left gloves and Saw the markings on his hand glowing as they did before.
"What is going on?" He looked at his ruins "So this works with my keyblade transformation but not my keyblade itself?"
[Focus!] Delf snapped his partner back as the Heartless swung its ax, Sora quickly dashed forward trusting the spear and doing a horizontal slash. He then followed up with magic a water spell was casted and so was electricity shocking the giant damaging it greatly.
Louise, Henrietta, and everyone else still watched the fight go on, it was impressive to say the least on how he can battle a large monster by himself.
It threw one more giant stone at him as he shot a powerful fireball towards it destroying the armor it coded itself with. Sora finally got rid of its defenses and it was lying on its back immobilized.
"Ok, now to end this!" Sora declared as he teleported up into the sky raising his arm as multiple copies of his spear rain downward. Sora followed with his own downward strike, hitting the center of the Heartless leaving behind a big X on the ground as it vanished into nothing a heart was released from it.
Everyone who witnessed the fight as Sora held his spear before stabbing the bottom part of the hilt into the ground, turning to everyone around him as he threw up the sign of victory smiling at everyone present.
End.
