Chapter 3: explanations and introductions
I do not own kingdom hearts or the properties shown in this fanfic. They belong to the respective owners and the original story is based on the works of Darius Almighty. Kingdom hearts and trials of the keyblade is owned by square Enix, Disney, and Tetsuya Nomura. Please support the official release.
Right. I've added a new character so you might know this one. Anyways, unlike the original writers I'm going to respond all the stories rapidly like wildfire which make those who love the story 100% happy in order to catch up to where the writers are up to.
With that out of the way, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
"You guys ever heard of the Galactic Empire?", Leon asked the young heroes. They were now touring the corridors of the citadel as Leon gave them a run-down of the changes around Radiant Garden. As they walked they saw more white armoured soldiers patrolling the corridors.
"Those white guys mentioned something about that," Kairi intoned. "But they never explained what it was."
Leon smirked at them before continuing. "The Empire is an interplanetary government consisting of millions of different worlds with a mutual protection and economic alliance between the worlds. Their representatives travel to worlds that are only aware of each other. In exchange for joining them, their worlds are given protection as well as supplies."
"Wow, that's amazing," Sora breathed out. "All those worlds united together. It doesn't seem possible."
"Yeah" Riku agreed. "How do they do it?"
"Their military, the Stormtrooper's. I believe you've met them," Leon answered, motioning to the white armored soldiers as they walked past them.
"Yeah, real friendly guys," Riku replied sarcastically.
They came to a door which lead to a bridge connecting to a tower. From the bridge they could see all of Radiant Garden. Hovercars zoomed about in the clouds. Leon continued. "They arrived not long after you guys defeated Xemnas, offering a hand of friendship. They said that with the Heartless threat, they were now traveling to more and more worlds offering their allegiance. I was reluctant at first, but I had to face facts. Radiant Garden was in bad shape. The Heartless attack by the Organization left us severely crippled. We didn't have the resources or the manpower to get things back to the way it used to be. We needed their help."
They entered the tower through the door at the end of the bridge. "It looks like you made the right choice!", Kairi said cheerfully.
"I'd like to think so." Leon replied, smirking.
Upon entering the tower they were met with the sight of a room full of people exercising. Men and women were lifting weights, skipping rope, and sparring using different weapon types. Hollering at them at the end of the room was a large man clad entirely in steel armour, with a long sword slung on his back. Apparently, he was a knight of some sort. "That's right you maggots!", he shouted at the people training. "Keep that blood pumping! I want to see some sweat!" He then noticed the new group of arrivals in the back. "Alright ladies, drop and give me two hundred!", he shouted to the work-out crowd, before walking over to the Leon and the others.
"Guys, I'd like you to meet Captain Adelbert," said Leon, motioning to the lumbering knight. "Adelbert, this is Sora, Kairi and Riku."
"Hiya!" Sora said cheerfully. Adelbert glowered at him. "Uhh, nice to meet you?" he continued nervously.
"So you're the great Sora," the Captain said, leaning right in Sora's face. "How did a wimp like you save the universe. You got no muscle. You're a little shrimp, and just look at that hair!"
"Hey! I can take the lack of muscle and height remarks, but what's wrong with my hair?" Sora exclaimed.
"It makes you look like your hyped up on goofballs that's what. Now this guy," he said, putting his hand on Riku's shoulder. "This guys a warrior! He's tall, dark, handsome, not to mention those muscles!"
"This here is a smart man," Riku said, smiling proudly. Sora bowed his head gloomily, Kairi patting his back and giggling.
"Adelbert is in charge of military training for Radiant Garden soldiers," Leon said.
"That's right! The Empire's not going rely on the Empire forever, so we got to toughen up to make sure we never lose the Garden again. With me on the job, we'll have the toughest guys in the universe." the large knight exclaimed.
"Right, I feel so safe with you around," a sarcastic female voice intoned. Sora, Kairi, and Riku looked around in confusion for the source of the voice. "Over here, small-fry."
All eyes then turned to Adelbert's sword hilt, which was now sporting a pair of eyes with long eyelashes, and ruby red lips. "Is it just me, or is that sword talking to us?" Kairi intoned slowly.
"Oh she's a genius! You must be the smart one," the sword said sarcastically. Kairi glared at it.
"I almost forgot. This is Lula, Adelbert's enchanted sword." Leon explained.
"More like the sword that never shuts up," Adelbert muttered
From her position behind his shoulder, Lula shot a blast of blue energy from her eyes at Adelbert's exposed neck, causing him to yelp in pain. "Why is it that every guy who picks me up has the brain capacity of an avocado?" she asked.
"Probably Karma," Adelbert answered, earning him another zap. Everyone laughed at his expense.
"Well, we've got to be moving on. Come on guys," Leon motioned.
"See you, Adelbert," Riku waved. "Anytime you want to give me more compliments, you just let me know and I'll be happy to take them." He would have continued but Sora and Kairi literally dragged him away.
"Goodbye kids. Stay in school!" Lula called back.
They exited the training center through the door opposite the one they came in. "A talking sword, that was pretty interesting." Kairi said.
"After all the things I've seen, nothing surprises me anymore." Sora replied.
The door led to another hallway filled with different doorways, with some under guard by the Stormtrooper's. The disciplined soldiers took no notice of the group. As they walked, Leon continued to explain. "The Empire has done a lot more than just help with the repairs," he stated. "Tell me. Have you guys noticed anything different about Radiant Garden since you got here?"
"You mean aside from the weirdos in white?" Riku replied. Leon scowled at him.
Sora thought for a moment. Then it dawned on him. "We haven't seen any Heartless anywhere." Riku and Kairi looked at him as if he were insane, but now that they thought about it, he was right.
Leon smirked. "That's right. Thanks to the Empire, Radiant Garden is now Heartless-free."
All three of them gasped. A Heartless-free Radiant Garden? It was too good to be true. "Are you serious?" Sora exclaimed.
"That's so great!" Kairi squealed. Riku, however, looked indifferent.
Leon's smirk grew wider. "They drove every last one of them out of the city. We owe the Empire everything."
"Wow no more Heartless! Isn't that great Riku?", Sora asked his friend. He didn't answer. "Riku?"
Riku snapped out of it and scratched his head. "Huh? Oh yeah! Great..."
They came to a door with a crudely written sign that said "KEEP OUT". Leon entered taking no notice of it.
Inside were many Stormtrooper's in the process of setting up a computer lab. Sparks flew from the flames of blowtorches, as they bounced harmlessly off their white armor. They moved around heavy terminals to their designated positions. At the monitors, several grey uniformed men typed away, setting up the network while the soldiers did the grunt work.
"Watch it with that stuff! Do you know how long it took to get this kind of technology?", a familiar old voice shouted. The source of the voice turned to face them and smiled coarsely. "Well, well, well, look what the Emo dragged in."
"Cid!", Sora shouted.
"The one and only," Cid replied smugly.
"Thank goodness for that," Leon remarked, ignoring Cid's glare.
"Boy, you could say that again!", Sora joked. They all laughed
Kairi looked around at all the computer terminals and the men working tirelessly to get them up and running. "What is all this?" she asked in wonder. She had never seen so much technology.
"This is the Radiant Garden Central Control Network, or the CCN," Cid answered proudly. He went over to the largest monitor. "Using the technology the Empire provided for us and the data from Ansem's old computer, we were able to create this data space that connects all of Radiant Garden. From here we can provide power throughout the city, from a microwave oven to a monorail." He patted the keyboard to the giant terminal. "Ain't that right, Tron?"
"Right you are Cid!", a cheerful voice intoned from the terminal.
"Tron! Is that you?", Sora said, running to the terminal.
"Of course it is!", Tron replied. "Who else do you know who lives in a computer?" Sora chuckled and scratched the back of his head.
"Tron, I'd like you to meet my friends Riku and Kairi," Sora said, motioning to each of them.
"Uh, hi," Riku said uncertainly. "I've never talked to a computer before."
"Well let me just say, you're doing a fine job so far!", Tron replied, cheerfully. Riku smiled weakly.
"Tron here is in charge of the CCN," Cid explained. "He controls the comings and goings of information, providing Radiant Garden with all the power it will ever need."
"In other words, I'm the one who does all the work around here," said Tron.
Cid balked at this. "Why, you ungrateful piece of data trash! I ought to reconfigure you so you have no mouth! That'll show you who does the real work around here!"
"Please, please, Cid, I'm joking!", Tron laughed. Cid scoffed.
"A computer program with a sense of humor. May whatever higher power have mercy on our souls," Cid said dryly.
Riku looked around at the computers. There sure were a lot of them. "You run this entire operation by yourself?"
"Of course not. It's impossible for one man to do it alone. I've got Tron, all these Imperial boys," at this Riku scowled. "and of course my deputy!"
"Deputy?", Sora echoed.
Cid smiled wryly. "Hey Wade! Get your arse in here!" he shouted.
From a door to the side emerged a short, slightly heavy teenager with dark skin. He wore a simple blue t-shirt and jeans. On his head, he wore a bizarre helmet with red goggles. He also wore gloves that matched the helmet. "What is it Cid? Oh, hey Leon!", he said with a young voice. Leon waved back. "I was just working on my newest creation!".
He stepped aside to allow the strangest thing to step through the door. It was a small black cat standing on its hind legs. The tips of its tail and ears were white, as was his underbelly. It wore white gloves, a red cape around its neck and a golden crown sat atop its head. It looked almost cartoon-like. "Hello there!" it said in a thick Irish accent. They all did a double take. As if that wasn't strange enough. "Pleased to make your acquaintance! Cait Sith at your service!" It made a low bow as it introduced itself.
"Awwwwww!", Kairi gushed. She instantly ran up to the talking cat and scooped it up in her arms, giving it a big hug. "It's so cute!", she exclaimed. The cat looked like it was enjoying this also.
"Well, well, aren't you a friendly lass! Oof! Quite a strong one too!" Cait Sith laughed. Cid stared at it incredulously.
"This is what you've been working on all day? A robotic feline? Honestly boy, where do you come up with this stuff?", he asked. The boy chuckled as he took off his goggled helmet to reveal his dark, youthful eyes and short jet-black hair.
"It seemed like a cool idea at the time. I mean come on! Who else has ever thought of making a robotic cat wearing a crown? None but yours truly!" Cid slapped his forehead in disbelief.
"I'll never understand teenagers," he stated dryly, before turning back to Sora and the others. "Guys I'd like you to meet Wade, my apprentice. Don't let the size, mass, and complexion fool you. Wade here is a certified genius! He and his two friends arrived here not too long ago. I recognized his potential immediately.
"Yeah, after you finished making fun of my weight and size," Wade dead panned, crossing his arms.
"It's nice to meet you Wade!" Sora said, holding out his hand. "I'm Sora. This is Riku and Kairi."
Wade's eyes widened in astonishment. "Wow! You're Sora?" Sora nodded dumbly. "It's a real honour to meet the great saviour of the universe! And all before you even hit puberty!", Wade said, shaking Sora's hand, looking up at him in awe.
"Well, I don't like to brag. Ah, who am I kidding? Yes I do!" Sora laughed as Riku and Kairi rolled their eyes.
"Wait till you meet my friend, Ron. He's an even bigger fan than I am! Just look for the guy with the naked mole rat." Wade informed.
"Um thanks," Sora said to this strange information. Leon then got their attention once again.
"Alright guys, we still got a lot to see. Let's go," he said.
"See you around guys," Cid waved.
"It was nice meeting you!", Wade shouted.
Sora waved back. "See you later guys!" He glanced a Kairi. "Kairi, you have to leave the cat."
"This so-called cat has a name you know!", yelled Cait Sith from Kairi's arms.
Kairi set the robot cat down and gently rubbed its head behind the crown. "Sorry Cait Sith. Maybe I'll see you later, okay?", she said smiling.
Cait Sith wriggled his little nose. "I'll hold you to it lass!" he said before he scurried back to Wade. Kairi smiled before walking back to the others.
"Nothing more beautiful then the bond between a girl and her robot cat," Riku joked. Sora smacked him on the head.
Exiting the CCN, the group re-entered the hallway. They then made their way further down until they were met with yet another familiar voice, this one quite loud. "Hey guys, over here!" At the end of the hall, in front of another door guarded by Stormtroopers, was a rather memorable ninja.
"Yuffie!", Kairi exclaimed, running to her friend, wrapping her in a hug.
"Hey Kairi! It's been a while. Wow, you've really grown! You look hot! Wow, Sora, no wonder you wanted her back so badly!" Yuffie said slyly, looking at Sora who blushed crimson. Leon sighed. "So what do guys think of the new Radiant Garden?"
Riku eyed the Imperial soldiers at the door. "Hard to say," he replied.
"Yuffie, is Barret inside?", Leon asked. Yuffie saluted goofily.
"Present and accounted for, mon capitaine," she answered smartly. Leon stroked the bridge of his nose in annoyance.
"Whatever," he sighed. He moved to open the door when it was suddenly flung open and slammed into his face, effectively knocking him to the ground. Out of the door ran two small children: a boy and a girl. The girl had brown hair tied into a ponytail and wore a small pretty dress. The boy had messy red hair and a navy blue t-shirt and shorts. Both were laughing as they ran away down the hall. "You little brats!", Leon shouted as the Stormtrooper's guarding the door helped him stand up. "Stop fooling around this place! You're going to get hurt!"
Yuffie and Sora were now laughing their heads off. "Looks like Leon's met his match in two little kids and a door!", Sora laughed. He and Yuffie high-fived.
A large, dark skinned man poked his head out through the now open door. His dark hair was pulled into braids. "Whoa, everything alright out here?", he asked in a deep, rumbling voice. "Leon, what are you laying around for? We've got work to do!" Leon growled at the man.
"I took this unexpected trip to the ground because of your daughter and her friend," he said as he dusted himself off. He then grew stern again. "Is everything ready?"
"Just about. Come on in," the man replied. He motioned to them all to come in, revealing his large broad shouldered body. He wore a white vest over a fishnet shirt and green cargo pants. The room was a large conference chamber. On the opposite end was a large window that overlooked all of Radiant Garden. Many people were inside waiting. Sora saw some people that he recognized and some he didn't. Sitting at the far end of the large round table was the white bearded wizard, Merlin. Leaning against the wall with her arms crossed was super-strong Tifa. Staring outside the large widow at the sprawling metropolis outside was the sweet, kind Aerith. Standing to the side arguing with each other were Adelbert and Lula.
The man at the door put his right hand on Sora's shoulder, revealing it to be made of metal. "So you're Sora. The one who got us back the Garden. My name's Barret! Put 'er there pal!" he said, extending his robotic hand. Sora shook it and winced as it nearly crushed his hand. "Oops! Sorry 'bout that."
"Ah, Sora my lad!", Merlin exclaimed, standing up. "And Riku and Kairi as well! It's good to see all of you!", he said, stroking his long beard.
"Hi Merlin!" they all said back. Aerith then walked over to them. Kairi ran to her and they hugged.
"Hello to you, too, Kairi!" Aerith laughed. Leon then came up behind them.
"Guys, I'd like you to meet a few people," he said, motioning them to the people with whom Sora was not familiar. The first one was a blonde women with her hair drawn into a bun and her bangs hanging down her face. She wore a pink outfit, with a whip dangling a her waist. "This is Quistis, head of our new military, and my former teacher."
"You were Leon's teacher?", Kairi asked.
She smiled at them before answering. "That's right. Back before the Heartless invaded, he was my pupil. If it wasn't for me, he'd be dead by now." Leon glared at her. "Oh, lighten up!"
"Lighten up? Leon? Your asking way to much of him, Quistis.", a female voice laughed. A beautiful women, with fiery red hair, dressed in a long lab coat walked up beside Quistis. She wore glasses, but for some reason one of her eyes was closed. Underneath the lab coat she wore nothing but a short skirt and top that seemed almost to be part of her body. They noticed that she also had a metal arm like Barret. On the lab coat was a name tag that read: "Dr. Shalua Rui"
"Guys this is Dr. Shalua Rui. She heads the science division of Radiant Garden." Leon explained.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Shalua said. Sora and Riku didn't respond, both blushing and staring at her scantily clad form... until Kairi smacked them both on the head.
"Oh! Yeah! Nice to meet you!", Riku stammered his, face red.
"Uh, what he said!", Sora said equally red. Kairi shook her head.
"Boys," she stated simply.
"And finally this is lightning. She's new to the group." Said leon.
A young woman with wavy pink hair and wore a white vest like top that had a short brown shirt hiding underneath it. She also had tall boots and a pink cape on. Sora approaches her.
"Nice to meet you sora" said lightning in a cold tone that makes Leon a run for his money.
"Uh nice to meet you too." Said sora as held out her hand to her but walks off.
"don't mind her. She hasn't been the same since she lost her sister." Said Aerith cheerfully.
"Ah, these must be the heroes," a man with an accent voiced. He wore a green uniform, signifying he was with the Empire. His face was lined with age. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Chief Bast, representative of the Emperor," he said, extending his hand. They each in turn shook it.
"Chief Bast, huh? Is that short for something?", Riku asked snickering.
"I'm afraid I don't quite follow," Bast said, confused.
Riku was barely containing his laughter. "Never mind," he managed to get out.
Leon went up to the table and stood beside what was presumably his seat. "Alright people, maybe we can get started now that we're all here," he said.
"But Leon, were not all here," Aertith interjected. "Cid is still in his workshop, and..." here her beautiful features turned to worried ones. "And the King still hasn't arrived yet," she finished.
"What?" Leon breathed. "He still isn't here?" Aerith shook her head.
"The King isn't here yet? Sora asked. "When was he supposed to here?" It was Barret who answered.
"Almost two days ago," he growled.
"What!", all three yelled. "But we only received his message today!" Riku almost shouted.
"You received a letter in a bottle," Shalua answered. "Not exactly the most efficient means of communication."
Leon stroked the bridge of his nose. "It was three days ago that we received a transmission from his gummi ship. He said that he was coming to Radiant Garden to discuss something urgent. He didn't say what. He also said that he was contacting you three but you would arrive later then him."
Tifa spoke for the first time since they got there. "When he didn't show up like he said he would, we figured he was coming with you."
"So much for that theory," Quistis snorted.
"And our Star Destroyers never informed us of ever seeing them," Bast said. "We even sent them an identification code."
"So why didn't we get one?" Sora exclaimed.
Leon then turned to Yuffie. "Weren't you supposed to give the King their code?" he asked her. Three angry pairs of eyes turned to the now sweating ninja.
"Heh, heh. Oops?" she said lamely. Adelbert crossed his arms.
"So we've got a King's council but no King to go with it. Ain't that typical." he said.
Lula snorted from Adelbert's sheath. "Don't forget one overly-cynical engineer."
It was then that the door was kicked open, revealing said engineer. "I heard that, you stupid, rusted pointy stick!" He then turned to everyone else. "Sorry I'm late. Let's just say that stupid robot of Wade's has quite the temper," he said as he rubbed his rump. Leon slapped his forehead.
"The real question, people, is what do we do now?". he asked them. For a long time everyone was quiet, contemplating their current situation. It was a while before Sora finally spoke up.
"Alright," he began. Everyone turned to him. "Riku, Kairi and I will go to Disney Castle to find out what's going on. We'll return with the King."
"Return of the King. That has a nice ring to it." Yuffie said.
Leon smirked. "Alright. No one has any better ideas. You guys go see what's up."
"The ciel-" , Riku started before Kairi clapped a hand over his mouth.
"You can count on us!" she said cheerfully.
Riku pushed her hand away. "We'll need a new ship. Ours is totalled."
"Eh, you can take one from the hanger. We've got plenty to spare," Cid replied, chewing his toothpick.
"Er, wait a minute!" Everyone turned to look a Chief Bast who just made this sudden outburst. "Perhaps we should wait for the King one more day. I'm sure he'll turn up eventually." Sweat was dripping down his face.
"Out of the question," Quistis said. "He's already over two days late. Something could have happened to him. It wouldn't hurt to see what's what." Bast narrowed his eyes at her.
"Then it's settled." Leon turned to face all three of them. " Sora, Kairi, Riku, go out to find the King."
"And don't come back till you do!" Yuffie shouted. Everyone glowered at her. "What?"
Sora turned and laughed. "Well, guess we should get going! See you guys!"
"Goodbye," Aerith smiled. "Have a safe trip!"
They exited the conference and room and everyone grew solemn again. "Hey," everyone turned to look at Shalua, who was now looking around the room. "Where's Chief Bast?" she asked. Everyone looked around, realizing that Chief Bast had indeed disappeared.
Sora, Kairi, and Riku made their way to the hanger with the directions Cid gave them. The citadel was indeed large, but they made their way around by themselves well enough. While walking, Sora failed to notice the small pink rodent that discreetly snuck into one of his large red pockets, murmuring something about cheese.
They came to the hanger which, as Cid had said, was filled with Gummi ships. Two Stoormtrooper guards came to meet them. "We've got orders from Leon to take one of these ships for a spin," he explained to the guards. One of the guards nodded.
"Very well. Carry on then." They made room for them to move to one of the ships. As they neared the ship, Kairi tapped Sora on the shoulder.
"Have you noticed those guys all sound exactly the same?" She questioned. Sora nodded yes.
"Yeah. It's like they're all the same guy or something," Sora answered as they entered the gummi ship. The soldiers, hearing this, looked at each other. They both shared a hearty chuckle before returning to their duties.
Meanwhile, in Chief Bast's private quarters, the Imperial officer was in a moral dilemma. On the one hand, he could call his superiors and face the consequences of not keeping Sora and his friends from leaving Radiant Garden. On the other hand... there was no other hand. They would find out eventually from the Stormtrooper's. Lousy finks.
Sweating profusely, he began to type the number of his contact on his private monitor. It was not connected to the CCN, so that meddlesome computer program will never know what had transpired here. As the connection came through, the distorted screen began to clear and his contact came into view.
Whom he saw nearly made him wet his pants.
"You're late," a malicious voice growled. On the screen was a Stoormtrooper, but while regular Stoormtroopers were white, this one's armor was dark grey. "Report," he growled again.
"G-G-General Darius, sir!", Bast stammered, saluting nervously. "You see sir I was told to call in when Sora and the King arrived, but unfortunately the King has not yet arrived, and I felt that I should not report until one of them actually showed up, but then the King didn't show up and I thought maybe..."
"Get to the point," the General growled, stopping the man's rant. Bast gulped and nodded.
"Sora has arrived sir, along with his friends, but.."
"But?", Darius questioned.
"But they are n-now heading off world." he managed to get out.
"You were told to keep them here no matter what," Darius replied, his voice filled with venom.
."I...I tried to stop them sir, but they would not listen! B-b-but you see, t-they are heading for Disney Castle to retrieve the King! They said that they will return once he is with them. When he comes back we will then detain him and his friends."
General Darius thought for a moment before replying. "Yes he will. My master and I will make sure of it."
Bast visibly paled. "Lord Vader is coming here?" he asked in pure horror.
"Yes," Darius answered. "And frankly, he finds your performance a bit lacking of late," he said, toying with the trembling man.
"W-we shall p-p-prepare for his arrival," he stammered, forcing a smile.
"See that you do," General Darius replied. "I warn you Bast, clean up your act. Lord Vader is not as forgiving as I am." Those were his final words before he cut the transmission.
Chief Bast stood there stock still for a few more moments. He then ran to the bathroom and tossed his cookies.
And that conclude this chapter. Be sure to write nice reviews adapt the original story (Darius Almighty's work) on DeviantArt or post the story on TV tropes or follow and favorite it. And remember may your heart be your guiding key!