Chapter 5: darth vader
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. It's time we introduce the Dark Lord of the Sith to our heroes. The first one ever introduced to Star Wars. Darth Vader. Anyways, one can personally imagine if the empire is overrun by nazis.
With that out of the way, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
The trip back to Radiant Garden was a silent one. Riku volunteered to drive, which was fine with Sora, who didn't feel much like doing anything right now. He was currently sitting hunched in his seat, staring at the ground. Rufus was on his shoulder, occasionally patting the side of his head. It was a small gesture, but comforting nonetheless. Kairi was in the seat next to him, gently holding his hand.
After leaving Disney Castle and the King behind, they were now heading back to tell Leon and the others the news. The news of Donald and Goofy had hit him hard, harder than anything he'd ever felt before. It was like someone had ripped his heart from his chest, and ground it into the dust.
They were now approaching Radiant Garden, the Star Destroyers protecting the world from any Heartless ships that dared come close. Riku inputted the identification code they had gotten from Chief Bast. This time the Star Destroyers allowed them to pass by unscathed. They headed down to the city, just in time to miss the massive black ship that suddenly warped into the vicinity.
Back at the citadel, the council was once again gathered. Sora, Riku, and Kairi (and Rufus) broke the news to them. They told them about the King's personal mission to map the universe and his current state of the body. This news certainly upset everyone, to say the least. Chief Bast looked especially worried.
"I can't believe it," Leon gasped. "The King's out of commission?"
Adelbert crossed his arms, his brow furrowed.
"That's not all," Sora added sadly. All eyes turned to him curiously. Riku put a firm hand on Sora's shoulder before the latter revealed "Donald and Goofy are missing."
Leon, Aerith, Yuffie, Merlin, and Cid all gasped in shock. Aerith whispered, "Oh, Sora..."
"No way," Yuffie cried, "Not those guys!"
Oh, dear me!" Merlin exclaimed.
"Man... Those guys were actual party animals," Cid rubbed the back of his head, "How can this happen?"
"I wish I knew," Sora hung his head dejectedly.
He felt a hand on his shoulder. He lifted his head to gaze into Shalua's open green eye. She was looking down at him with concern and understanding, "It's never easy to lose someone you care about."
Leon said nothing. He knew the feeling all too well...
And the same goes for lightning.
"So what are we going to do now?" Riku asked. "Without the King, we don't know anything about what he was going to tell us. Were at an impasse."
Everyone frowned as they pondered what to do. Before while brief they had the guidance of King Mickey, but with him out of commission and with the addition of Donald and Goofy went missing...
"Nothing much we can do," Quistis replied before turning to the three islanders, "You guys might as well go home."
Bast's face then grew panicky, before forcing a nervous smile, "N-now... wait a minute,,. Perhaps they should stay here for a while longer... If they stay a while longer, the King may recover and inform us..."
Riku suspiciously eyed him before stating, "Yeah, we'll stick around... I'm not leaving until we find out who attacked the King."
"I want to see more of Radiant Garden anyway," Kairi shrugged before smiling slightly. Sora merely nodded.
"Then it's settled," Chief Bast sighed in relief, "Let's all go for lunch then, huh? My treat!"
Suddenly many alarms went off, startling everyone in the room, but none more than Chief Bast. On the loudspeakers that were built throughout the entire citadel, a clear announcement rang, "Attention all hands! Attention all hands! Prepare for the arrival of Darth Vader! Repeat! Lord Vader is on his way!"
"What!" Leon shouted. He ran past Sora, Riku, and Kairi, through the door leading to the hall. Outside, Stormtroopers ran about. The Scout Troopers, who as far as Sora had seen, were very calm and disciplined, were now running to and from, frantically heading to their destination, wherever that was. What Sora didn't know, was that the entire citadel was buzzing with Imperial activity. Leon muttered to himself, "Darth Vader is coming here?" He rounded on Chief Bast and asked him, "Did you know about this?"
Chief Bast put on a straight face as he replied, "I assure you, I am just as surprised as you are."
Leon muttered something before running off. Sora turned to Barret, "Who's Darth Vader?"
Barret smiled, "The man who made Radiant Garden what it is today."
"What do you mean?" Kairi asked.
Aerith smiled, "When the Empire first came here, they said they came on behalf of their master. Someone they called Darth Vader."
Quistis nodded, "They told us that Vader had heard of our struggles with the Heartless and how we bravely fought to keep them at bay. He thought that we could use a little help and sent his men over to offer his allegiance."
"He's the supreme commander of the Imperial army," Cid added while hewing on his toothpick. "No one's higher on the Empirical food chain than the Emperor himself, and Vader's his right-hand man you might say."
"Whoa. Sounds like a powerful guy," Sora said in awe, "And he's coming here? Why?"
Merlin adjusted the rim of his glasses as he narrowed his eyes, "That's what I'd like to know! Barging in here unexpected and unannounced!"
"His arrival was just announced throughout the entire citadel," Lula asked innocently, "Did you not hear?"
"You know what I mean!" Merlin replied in annoyance.
"Well, let's just go meet the guy already," Tifa deadpanned as she walked away from the group. Everyone shrugged and followed quickly after her.
It turns out that all the Imperial soldiers were now heading to the hangar, where Darth Vader's ship would be arriving shortly. They made their way there quickly, troopers running with them, too. As they entered the hangar, Sora, Kairi, and Riku were astonished to see how many Stormtroopers were present. Half the hanger was a tide of white, with some grey Imperial officers also there. Riku was shocked. He didn't realize that there were this many soldiers in the citadel alone. It was frightening.
The Stormtroopers formed two columns that faced each other so that there was an empty path straight down the middle from the hangar doors. At the other end of the path stood Leon, waiting patiently. Seeing them he beckoned them over. When they finally reached them, Leon stated, "So we finally get to meet this Darth Vader."
Riku looked at him weirdly, "You've never even met him?"
Leon shook his head, "No. Everything that's been done here, has been done by his men. He sends over technology and resources, but we've never actually seen him before."
Riku nodded understandingly before suspiciously asking, "So why would he come now?"
"He's probably just coming to check up on the progress here," Barret said confidently, then seemed confused, "Why he came without any warning is what I'd like to know."
"Y-yes, it's quite a mystery, isn't it?" Bast nodded nervously.
Yuffie was practically jumping up and down with excitement, "I can't believe we're finally going to meet Vader! I wonder what he looks like. I bet he's cute!"
The great ninja and Kairi shared a giggle.
"Well," Leon looking out the hangar doors, into the clear blue sky, "We're about to find out." Out of the sky flew a grey shuttle. It was of a strange design, with two wings jutting from the sides and one wing spouting from the top, so it looked like an upside-down Y. Escorting it were two ships on each side that were just as strange. Their cockpits were of a spherical design, and their wings were large panels that stood upright, "Here he comes."
As the ships neared the citadel, the escort ships broke off and flew to the sky to rejoin the Star Destroyer blockade. As the shuttle neared the hanger door, the wings to the side folded to allow it to land safely. The ship rotated in mid-air so the back was now facing the group, then finally touched down in perfect alignment with the Stormtrooper's path. It was like it was choreographed.
A few moments after the ship landed gracefully, a ramp slowly lowered to the ground. Steam blew out of the exhaust ports to relieve pressure, casting an ominous fog among the now-lowered ramp. Someone was now coming down the ramp, but they couldn't see what they looked like through the steam. Everyone held their breath.
A tall, dark, imposing figure then emerged from the fog. The figure wore a black outfit, with black gloves and a long black cape flowing behind him. On his chest was some kind of control panel, with different coloured buttons. His most noticeable (and terrifying) feature was the black helmet he wore, which concealed his face completely.
Everyone gasped seeing this figure emerge from the ship. This was Darth Vader? He was so, so... scary.
Another slightly shorter figure emerged from the shuttle, taking his place just behind Vader's shoulder. He had the armour of a Stormtrooper, but his armour was a dark grey colour. On his back was a jetpack, the same colour as his armour. On his waist were two weapon holsters, each holding a laser pistol.
Every Stormtrooper and Imperial Officer in the hanger then stood to attention. Vader then began his long walk down the path towards Leon and the others, the dark armoured soldier following obediently behind.
To say that Leon and the others were shocked would have been an understatement. He had heard things about Darth Vader, but nothing had prepared him for this. Yuffie offered, "Um, maybe he's cute under the scary mask?"
"Shut up, Yuffie," Riku scolded, never taking his eyes off the approaching man. Darth Vader and the dark soldier finally reached them. As he approached Sora could hear raspy breathing coming from the man. Was he sick or something? On his shoulder, Rufus whimpered in fear. Behind him, so did Bast. Darth Vader went to Leon, towering above him.
"Leon, I presume," he said in a deep voice, sending chills down everyone's spine.
"Uh, yes. I'm Leon," he answered. "You must be Darth Vader," Vader merely nodded. "It's an honour to meet you," he said, shaking Vader's hand before respectfully asking, "But I must say, your visit is very unexpected. Why didn't you tell us you were coming?"
"I merely wished to see the progress that has been made with the assistance of my men," Vader explained casually, "I did not wish to inform you because I do not care for honorifics. I did not want such a fuss made. But it seems..." Before eying the assembled soldiers "...that it was in vain."
Sora watched Darth Vader carefully. He seemed alright, despite his appearance. But still, there was something... unnatural about him. Vader then turned his concealed eyes to him. "You must be Sora," he stated knowingly. "The great saviour of the universe. It is an honor to meet you," he said extending his gloved hand. Rufus cowered into Sora's collar. Sora hesitated for a moment but eventually shook his hand. He winced as it nearly broke his hand. It was like shaking Barret's metal hand again. Vader stared at him as if reading his mind.
Darth Vader then turned to Riku. "You must be Riku. The boy who walked through the darkness, and came out unscathed. That's quite a feat. I commend you for it."
He also extended his hand. Riku shook his hand, also wincing at its strength, "Um, thanks. I think."
He finally turned to Kairi, "And this must be the lovely Kairi. One of the seven Princesses of Heart. It is an honor to meet one of such power."
Lord Vader extended his hand again. Kairi politely smiled and shook his hand...
A young man is shown with a beautiful young woman. On closer inspection, it shows she is pregnant. He is a fierce warrior, fighting with a sword of light and gifted with strange powers. He uses his strength to help others across many worlds.
The young man is then seen kneeling before a sinister hooded figure. He is given promises of power and glory. He accepts without hesitation. He is seen leading many soldiers in white towards a large building. He uses his abilities to do unspeakable things to people with similar abilities. Men, women, and even children fall by his hands.
On a world of fire, the young man fights an epic battle with someone he used to love. He is defeated and left to die. The hooded figure returns and rescues him. Painful surgery. Anger, hate, rage...
Kairi snapped out of it and immediately withdrew her hand from Vader's grasp. She stared up in shock and fear at the man standing before her. Everyone stared at her, confused by her sudden actions. Darth Vader held her gaze for a while longer, before turning back to Leon. "Where is the King?" he asked, "I am very much looking forward to meeting him."
"I'm afraid there's been a development," Leon frowned, "But let's not discuss it here. If you'll follow me, I'll tell you everything."
Vader nodded, "Very well then. Come, General Darius."
The grey soldier, who so far had been silent and patient. He followed after Vader like a dog. Passing Riku they shared a glance, silent tension passing between them, as he continued behind his master.
Aerith went to Sora before asking him kindly, "Will you be joining us?"
Sora shook his head and forced a smile, "Nah, I think I'll take a walk around the city, and see what's changed."
Aerith looked into his bright blue eyes, I understand." She then turned to Riku and Kairi, "How about you two?"
"It wouldn't be the same without Sora," Riku said. "So, Sora where are we-" Before he could finish, he saw that Sora was already walking out the door, "Ouch. Rejection."
"You have to understand," Aerith told them gently, "He just needs some time alone right now."
She then proceeded to turn to join the others. Riku sighed sadly. "Guess the news of Donald and Goofy hit him harder than I thought. I hope he'll be alright. What do you think Kairi?" Kairi didn't respond, standing rooted to the spot she had been in since Vader had arrived. "Kairi?"
"So much anger..." she whispered. Riku looked at her strangely.
"What are you talking about?" He asked. She turned to face him.
"When I touched Vader's hand," She confessed, "I could see into his heart."
"His heart?" The silver head blinked, "What did you see?"
She looked down when he asked her this, "Anger. So much anger. But mostly..." She looked away as if staring into space before finishing.
"Sadness."
Sora walked silently through the bustling streets of Radiant Garden with Rufus riding on his shoulder, after seeing that Darth Vader was now gone. He was in a crowded marketplace with people selling and buying various items. The Stormtroopers were also in the crowd, serving as temporary police until an actual service could be hired. Moogles were running their synthesis shops for people that happened to come across any useless items.
Sora saw all of this as he walked through the crowds. He was thinking of everything that had happened so far. The Galactic Empire, the King's near-fatal injuries, Donald and Goofy...
He shook his head fiercely, nearly knocking Rufus off his perch in the process. No. Despite what he had been told, it didn't feel like they were really gone. Somehow he knew they were out there somewhere, and that they needed his help. He sighed deeply. 'When is it going to end?' he asked himself. He sometimes wished that the Keyblade had never come to him, that it had gone to some other poor sucker and ruined their life. He could be on the Islands living in peace with Riku and Kairi and they wouldn't have to deal with Heartless or Nobodies or soldiers in white.
He just wished he knew where Donald and Goofy were.
He was so deep in thought that he didn't see the young woman in front of him and accidentally bumped into her. She had brown shoulder-length hair and a blue and white dress. "Oh, sorr-"
He didn't get to finish, as a strange feeling washed over him...
Donald flew the gummi ship through the stars heading toward Disney Castle. Goofy sat snoozing in the chair behind him, while King Mickey contacted Radiant Garden.
"But your majesty," The clear voice of Leon rang through the communication speakers. "I don't understand. What is going on?"
"Don't worry Leon," King Mickey answered, with his squeaky voice, that held the authority to lead a kingdom. "I'll explain everything when we get there. I want everyone to be present for what I have to say."
"Alright," Leon said with some reluctance, "Just make sure you have your identification code when you do come. See you then."
The transmission was then cut off. The King sighed. "Well, only one thing left to do." He reached into the collar of his red and white suit, to pull out a furled-up letter. He turned to the Captain of the Guard, "Goofy?' He just continued to snooze. "Goofy?" Still nothing. "Goofy!"
Donald then stood up, "Let me handle it, your majesty." The Court Magician went to his sleeping pal and conked him on the head with his staff, "Wake up, you big palooka!"
"Yeeouch!" Goofy cried. He then yawned, before turning to Donald. "Mornin Donald," He said cheerfully. He then noticed King Mickey with the letter. He stood up straight and saluted, "Ohh! Is it time to contact Sora, your Majesty?"
Mickey smiled and nodded, "Yup! You know what to do."
He said placing the letter in a bottle. He then handed it to Goofy, who nodded and ran off to the back of the ship. Donald cheered, "Oh boy! We going to see Sora again!"
"That's right!" the King nodded cheerfully. His face then grew serious, "I only hope they're ready for the challenge."
Donald sat back down in the pilot seat. "Let's see, Sora's home should be in this direction."
He turned the steering wheel so that they were now floating in space. Goofy then came back from his job. He saluted the King again. "Message ready to fire, your Majesty!"
"Good work Goofy! Donald are we in position?" Mickey asked the temperamental duck. Donald nodded enthusiastically. "Alright then. Fire!" Donald pressed the button that launched the torpedoes, only instead of a torpedo, it fired the message in a bottle meant for Sora. It was now on a direct course to Destiny Islands; hopefully, it would reach Sora and the others.
"Goodbye message!" Goofy waved, "Hope you get to Sora!"
"So do I, Goofy. They don't know what kind of danger they're in," the King said solemnly.
The ship was then suddenly hit with enormous force. Enough to send everyone on board tumbling to the ground. Donald quacked, "Wak! What was that?!"
No sooner than he had asked that then the roof of the ship was suddenly ripped open, in a combination of grinding metal and flying sparks. Everyone in the ship backed away from it. Out from the newly formed hole in the ceiling, a tall figure jumped down and landed with a resounding "clang". This was because he was covered head to toe in dark metal armor. A long cape flowed at his back and his face was concealed by the strange metal helmet that he wore. He slowly rose from his kneeling position on the floor, turning to meet their surprised eyes.
"Greetings my friends," He told them with a smooth voice, "Where are you all off to in such a hurry?"
"Garwsh! It's one of those guys we saw!" Goofy shouted. He whipped his shield out and Donald pulled out his staff. Mickey didn't pull his Keyblade out yet, but he did watch the armored figure carefully.
The ominous figure raised his hand to point straight at the mouse, "You have something I need."
"Just what are you guys planning to do with the Keyblades?", the King asked.
"That's really none of your concern. Now please, die quietly," It was then that Mickey decided to bring out his Keyblade. With a bright flash, it appeared, its golden blade shining. "Yes," the man drawled. "That's what I want," and slowly raised his armored arm to his side. "And there's only one way to get it."
In a flash of dark energies, a huge, deadly-looking weapon suddenly appeared in the stranger's outstretched hand. Seeing this caused each of them to gasp in horror. Donald shouted, "That's a Keyblade!"
"Very observant." He then pointed the massive Keyblade toward its victims. "Shall we begin?"
Sora was then pulled back to reality, like a vacuum.
What the heck was that? He just saw the King, Donald, and Goofy, looking as healthy as the day he first met them. As well as some Keyblade-wielding behemoth. As soon as he was sure he was back in his body, he looked up at the slightly taller woman he had bumped into. She looked just as shocked as he was.
"I'm sorry!" she apologized before running off. Sora stood there rooted to the spot a moment longer before realizing she was gone.
"Hey, wait!" He called out to her, but she didn't turn back. He then took off after her down the street, dodging people who were in the way. "Please, stop!" He called again, Rufus hanging onto his hood, lest he falls off. The mysterious woman then went around a corner, Sora following quickly after. Unfortunately, when he turned the corner, he entered a very busy street, filled with shops and restaurants, and various other places of business. Sora looked around frantically for any sign of the women, but the crowd was too thick. She was gone.
However, while she was gone, the doctor arrived as he smiled to himself, "Ah, there you are." Pulling out his sonic screwdriver, "Just in time too. The Empire is about to make its move."
Leon and the others were once again gathered in the conference room, with the exception of Chief Bast. Each had taken their respective seats, with the exception of Darth Vader, who preferred to stand. The dark-armored Stormtrooper, who had been introduced as Darius, General of the grand Imperial army and Vader's right-hand man, stood just behind his Lord's shoulder, taking in all that was discussed in silence. Leon was just finishing Sora's story of the injured King Mickey and his lost companions. "So you see Lord Vader, we have a bit of a situation. Without the King, we don't know what kind of danger we may face," he said to the masked man.
"Indeed," Vader spoke. "I'm glad to hear that repairs to the city are progressing. As for the King...well I really don't know how to help you there." He went over to the large window overlooking Radiant Garden and gazed at the horizon. "The Empire would gladly offer its assistance and would have long ago, but unfortunately Disney Castle's location is a mystery to us."
"You don't know where Disney Castle is?" Adelbert questioned.
"No. We've been searching for quite a long time but come up with nothing. No matter how much we search it remains elusive. It's becoming quite annoying." Leon raised an eyebrow. Why were they so intent on finding Disney Castle? It couldn't just be to offer their allegiance. Vader asked, not moving his gaze from the window, "I wonder if you would help the Empire in its mission and give us the coordinate."
"I'm sorry, but it's not really my place to give out that kind of information," Leon answered.
If Vader was angry, he didn't show it. He didn't even look away from the window. "I see," he replied calmly. He was then quiet for a while, except for his steady harsh breathing, making everyone in the room uncomfortable. "The boy," he began, snapping everyone back to attention. "Sora. He is quite powerful. I sensed it when I first met him. To be chosen by the legendary Keyblade to combat the darkness and preserve peace and justice. And at such a young age." Leon frowned. What was he getting at? "My master, the Emperor, has been watching young Sora for quite some time. He has a certain... knack for seeing potential in certain individuals. He would very much like to meet him."
"With all due respect Lord Vader," Areith spoke up, in the kindest way possible, "Sora wishes to search for his friends right now. Perhaps he could-"
Darth Vader then rounded on her, tearing his eyes from the window. Her words died in her throat as he glared at her through his terrifying mask. She felt very small, cold, and fragile as she stared into his covered eyes.
"I'm afraid you don't quite understand," Vader said deeply, "The Keyblader is coming with me. The Emperor insists upon it."
He then looked over the people gathered, daring them to challenge him. Someone did.
"Who do you think you are?" Yuffie shouted, startling her friends. General Darius started towards her but was stopped by a gesture from Vader, who stared at Yuffie amusingly. "You think you can just come in here with your Halloween costume and your armored puppy dog," she said jerking her thumb at Darius, who barely regarded her, "and think you can just tell everyone what to do?" Vader slowly raised his arm to her. "Well, I've got just two words for you Darth. Fu-urk!"
Her voice was cut off as she felt some kind of strange force gripping her throat. It was as if invisible hands were strangling her and she was powerless to stop them. She gasped for air, as she struggled to breathe. Shalua asked the struggling ninja in deep concern, "Yuffie?"
Yuffie couldn't answer. Her air supply was cut off, stopping all speech.
"Yuffie?" Leon asked, more urgently, rushing over to her. The young ninja was clutching her throat in a feeble attempt to stop whatever was slowly suffocating her, "What's wrong?"
He then looked to Vader, whose arm was extended towards Yuffie, with his hand outstretched. "What are you doing?" He demanded angrily. The dark man didn't answer, nor did he release her. Darius watched this scene unfold but said nothing. Yuffie was now turning blue. "Let her go, Vader!" Leon shouted. No answer, "Let her go!"
"As you wish," Vader finally complied. He dropped his hand to his side and Yuffie instantly drew in a sharp breath. She collapsed to her knees, still clutching her throat, shaking. By this time, everyone was now on their feet, glaring at the man in black. Aerith rushed over to Yuffie and kneeled by her side, giving her a gentle hug.
"I'm afraid I must take my leave," Vader said, casually strolling to the door. He paused to look at Leon before continuing on. Before he passed through the door, he turned to look at everyone's shocked faces. "Sora will be coming with me. Whether he approves of it or not," He told them coldly and walked through the door with Darius following closely behind.
Leon glared at the man's back as he left the conference room. Yuffie still lay panting heavily on her knees, Aerith comforting her.
Maybe this alliance wasn't such a great idea after all...
Cue the imperial march! 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!