*DISCLAIMER - I DO NOT OWN THE COPYRIGHT OF KINGDOM HEARTS OR AZUR LANE
Once Sora pushed open the doors to the conference hall, he noticed that there was a large table that looked to hold over 30 people. The table had flowers spaced out and chairs on both sides of the table. Sora then began to get a better look around the room and took notice of the decorated windows that gave a great view of the ocean.
There were also flags hanging on the walls that added a sense of pride to the room's atmosphere. Two flags stood out compared to the rest which Sora immediately realized were Eagle Union and Royal Navy. Given that they were the two strongest powers currently in Azur Lane.
Sora turned around and spotted Enterprise entering with an unreadable expression. A moment later Cleveland and Wales were slowly walking in still having a stunned look on their faces. Sora had worry start to rise in his gut feeling that it may have been a bad idea to drop the whole from another world info on them so suddenly.
Enterprise for her part was looking around for anyone that could be in the conference hall noticing that there were some pieces of paper scattered around the tables.
Wales was the first to break out of her stunned state and looked at Sora ready to ask him a plethora of questions but hesitated and slowly bit her lip while closing her eyes. She then turned and started walking towards the front of the conference room and picked up what appeared to be a phone of sorts. Wales seemed to be on the phone for a minute until finally, someone must've picked up.
"Hello... Illustrious, yes, we have arrived at the conference hall...Yes, we are all in attendance. May I ask you to gather everyone here. Unicorn? That's fine. I am sure she is not the only one curious about our dear friend. He's become the talk around the town... Yes, I shall have the conference hall ready by then. See you soon."
After finishing her conversation on the phone, Wales put the phone down and turned towards Cleveland and gave out a little sigh. "Cleveland, may I ask for your help in getting the hall ready. The others will be arriving soon to discuss the recent siren encounter along with Sora's situation?"
Cleveland happily nodded "Of course! I can't leave you to get everything set". Once she finished her confirmation, Cleveland took off into the other room most likely to bring out the decor for the conference room.
Sora then perked up seeing that his new friends needed help cleaning up. "Hey, I can help too. What would you like me to do?"
Wales looked over to Sora and gave him a small smile, "No need, Sora. While I appreciate your offer, I'd like for you to take a minute to consider any questions that you might have for us. Given that there are a number of things each of us would like to learn. I suspect it will be a long meeting."
Once Wales finished responding to Sora, she made her ways in the same direction that Cleaveland took off towards. Sora meanwhile decided to take a seat in one of the chairs next to the main table. Enterprise slowly made her way next to Sora taking her cap off and massaging her temple. Enterprise then released a breath she didn't know she was holding and looked towards Sora.
"Sora...I know that you said you were from another world. But are you telling the truth?"
Sora tilted his head in confusion at what Enterprise had said. Not knowing how to respond, Sora timidly answered back, "What...what do you mean? Do you not believe me?"
"It's not that I don't believe you. It's just that... When you told me that you were from another world, I didn't have much time to process everything but now I do. Sure, I believe you, but it's a lot to process.
Enterprise looked down at her cap and sighed again. "I mean, sure there have been circumstances that I've dealt with where I was sent into a mirror version of this world. But to hear that someone is actually from another world is monumental and really makes you reconsider a lot of things."
Hearing Enterprise's inner turmoil, Sora grimaced and cursed himself for breaking the rule regarding the world order. Realizing that if Enterprise was feeling and trying to process, then Cleaveland and Wales were in a similar situation. Sora began to apologize profoundly to Enterprise but was cut off by her.
"However, you may not be the only one from another world."
Bewildered, Sora questioned her, "Huh? What do you mean?"
"The Sirens. We do not know where they originated from. Only that the technology they possess is far greater than our own. Not to mention, the power they have showcased before is something none of the other factions have gained control of. Honestly, after having fought them for so long I merely depicted them as monsters. Monsters not from this world."
Sora began to wonder if he had encountered any Siren type throughout his different adventures. Coming up with nothing, he then considered asking the million munny question.
"So... the Sirens are like aliens? Not from this world?"
"Yes. I guess that would be the best way to describe them. So, hearing that you are also not from this world is scary, but it's also reassuring."
"Reassuring? How so?"
"From your reaction, I figured you have not encountered the Sirens invading your home."
Sora sighed realizing that the Sirens would not be the only thing this world would have to deal with.
"You're right about that. I've never encountered the Sirens in my life until I ended up here. But... there is something else I've encountered."
Enterprise instantly became alert at Sora's words, "What are you saying? What do you mean by something else?"
"The Heartless. Beings made of darkness within people's hearts. They can multiply quickly and have many different forms. The thing that makes the Heartless so terrifying is that they can be killed but not completely. They will come back later when someone destroys one, but there's only one weapon that can completely destroy the Heartless for good."
Sora didn't want to worry Enterprise anymore about the Heartless given that she appeared to be in deep concentration, but Sora figured she needed to know the sooner the better.
"And Enterprise, the Heartless are here in this world. Right before I met up with you and those two other girls, there was a ship that looked different from the others, and it had a Heartless symbol plastered on a flag. The Heartless also started spawning on the ship's deck where I took them out with the only weapon that can get rid of them for good."
Enterprise was processing everything Sora had said about these Heartless beings and was about to question him on what the special weapon was, but Wales had called out to the two.
"Sora. Enterprise. The others are about to arrive. You two seem to have been in deep conversation and did not notice Cleveland and I prepared the hall for the meeting."
Sora quickly swiveled his head back and forth looking at how the whole room had changed and looked prim and proper with floral decorations and teacups placed at each available chair. The windows had new curtains to them brightening the room's atmosphere. Scratching the back of his head and letting out a nervous laugh, Sora turned to Enterprise who also appeared to be somewhat flustered for ignoring her surroundings.
"Uh... ha-ha. Guess we were in deep conversation and didn't notice you girls. Sorry about that."
Wales shook her head while having a pleasant smile across her lips. "Nonsense. While I wasn't able to comprehend everything you two were talking about. It was nice to see that you two had much to talk about which will for sure lead to an interesting meeting with everyone."
Nodding contently, Sora asked when the other girls would arrive only for his answer to be answered immediately. A knocking sound could be from the front door which had Wales respond, "You may enter."
The door opened and what followed had Sora mentally facepalming again. This world seemed to have many beautiful girls. The girl who entered had long silky white hair that appeared to be tied in a ponytail along with her blue eyes that sparkled. She was also wearing a hat that seemed to match her black and white dress. Sora glanced down to admire her dress but immediately went back to staring at her hair for he did not want to be rude and stare at her large chest.
Another girl had followed right behind the white-haired girl, and she seemed to be carrying a plushie of sorts. Sora got a better look at the plushie and noticed it was a unicorn with a purple main. The girl holding said plushie also appeared to be a small girl who had purple hair and a white dress. She looked around at the room and saw Wales and Enterprise. But when she saw Sora, she meekly hid behind the white-haired girl.
Sora feeling like he did something wrong, he began to check himself if anything was out of place. He even started patting his hair and thought that his hair style scared the poor girl. Wales eyed Sora and began to giggle at his antics. Enterprise stared at Sora before cracking a small smile.
Once the purple-haired girl hid behind the white-haired, the two made their way towards the main table. Another girl began to enter through the door and took Sora's breath away. The girl had a slender frame and blonde hair with bangs falling to the right side of her body. She was also wearing a blue skirt that went down to her knees with red and white stripes going across her shoulder. She was also wearing a hat that looked like a ship hanging on the side of her hair.
The girl looked towards Wales and Enterprise and nodded softly at both of them, but when she saw Sora, she went wide eyed but then back to a normal expression and smiled at Sora nodding at him as well.
Sora gave a goofy smile back to which he immediately covered his mouth embarrassed at how he may have looked. The girl giggled sweetly into her hand before making her way to the table with a smile gracing her lips.
Following the blonde-haired girl, a girl that appeared to have long silver hair that reached to the floor and had cat ears... Sora had to take another look before realizing that they were cat-shaped hair clips. She was wearing a while cape with a blue long-sleeved shirt and shorts that seemed to match with her black thigh-high socks that had a name plastered on them.
Enterprise perked up and addressed the girl who had just entered, "Montpelier? I wasn't aware that you would be joining the conference."
The girl now known as Montpelier responded, "Belfast dragged me here. Once that maid sets her mind to something she doesn't back down. Plus, I heard my sister was here, so I figured I'd come and see what all the ruckus has been about on base."
Montpelier spotted Wales and greeted her. Wales responded in kind and was about to speak up before Montpelier glanced at Sora.
"So, you're the guy that's been causing everyone to lose their cool. San Diego was going on a rant about how you were taking away the number one spot. Heh was pretty funny actually."
Sora did not know this San Diego and was worried he might be causing them trouble. He was about to respond but Montpelier beat him to the punch.
"Don't worry about it. She's always going on about being number one. She'll get over it... probably. Anyways, I don't know who you are, and I'll wait to find out until the meeting starts. I'm going to go find my sister."
Montpelier then took off down the same hallway that Cleaveland took off to earlier. At the same time voices were coming towards the door causing Sora to turn his attention back at the door.
This time however, multiple girls seemed to enter the room. The first girl appeared to be a maid dressed for the part and stood out compared to everyone else in the room. The maid had long white hair with a headband and a black necklace. Scratch that. She was wearing a chain around her neck which worried Sora but decided not to bring it up now. The girl also had a large bosom that was barely covered with her maid attire causing Sora to stare directly at her navy-blue eyes that added to her beauty.
The maid girl noticed Sora and smiled at him with her eyes closed. Following right behind her was another girl that had a petite figure along with light-brown hair with two front locks tied by a band. And this girl really did appear to have animal ear-like features on her head. Sora noticed her purple military jacket and buttoned dress and quickly started blushing when he noticed that she wasn't wearing any pants. He hesitantly looked at her boots, but his eyes spotted what appeared to be her undergarments covered by her jacket that hung very loosely.
Sora mumbled to himself about the girls here dressing "unique". However, Sora's attention peered towards the door as another girl with blonde hair appeared. This girl stood out like a sore thumb. She had a crown on her head that was attached to a headband of sorts. She also had a petite frame and a white frilled collar with strapless shirt. Filled with yellow ends and a white skirt that went with thigh-high socks. The small girl also appeared to be holding a staff of sorts that also had a crown attached to the top of it.
The girl with the crown immediately spoke up once she completely walked into the room, "Tis good to see you again Wales. And you as well miss Enterprise."
Wales immediately bowed to the crown girl while responding back, "Thank you your majesty, and thank you for attending this meeting. We have much to discuss."
Enterprise for her part, gave a small nod while humming at the crown girl's greeting. However, the girl with animal ears began to take notice of Sora standing there.
For his sake, Sora struck a saluting pose while bowing his head. He picked up on how Wales had responded to the girl with the crown and should've put two and two together that she was of royal status.
This seemed to surprise Wales and Enterprise along with the two blondes who were staring wide-eyed at what the boy had just done. Before Wales could speak on behalf of Sora, he beat her to the punch. Sora with his head down addressed the crowned girl, "Your majesty, I thank you for attending in this endeavor."
Sora was sweating and hoping with all his might that he did not make a fool of himself for addressing the girl of royalty in a rude or incorrect manner. He had just followed the tips Donald had told him a while back after the three half pints had met Beast back in his castle. The proper way to greet someone of royalty at least in Donald's perspective.
The girl with no pants merely stared at Sora, not saying anything until the crowned girl began humming to herself. "Hmmm hmm, so you are the boy who has been causing a ruckus on the island. Honestly, I expected the worst and was ready to confront you and correct your mannerisms when I heard the others talk about you in all forms of manner. But now seeing that you can greet royalty with respect and confidence no less. I see that I was wrong to see you in an ill light, dear servant."
Sora didn't know how to react to being called a servant, so he chose to ignore what she had said. "Uh... thank you your majesty... sorry, I didn't catch your name."
"Hmm my name is Queen Elizabeth, and I expect you to remember it."
"Of course. I Got it memorized." Sora chuckled at using Axel's signature catchphrase hoping that he wouldn't mind.
The other girl decided now would be a good time to introduce herself since her queen and sister did so with the mysterious boy.
"As you have met my Queen, I am Warspite. Sister to her majesty and her loyal sword and shield. I hope you do not disrespect her majesty's favor in you."
Realizing that Sora would be on thin ice with Warspite, he figured it best to just nod at her while appearing to be confident and understanding of the girl's words. Warspite once done analyzing Sora and his presence, she closed the main door signifying that no one else would be joining the meeting.
Once the door closed Warspite and Queen Elizabeth made their way towards the main table where the other girls were sitting waiting for the meeting to begin. Wales pulled Sora to the side to give him some background info on what was going to happen in the meeting.
"Sora, the others and I will discuss current circumstances with the Siren fleet that Enterprise encountered while being on her own of which she will be lectured heavily. Once the discussion on that front is done, we will then move onto your circumstances. Does that sound good to you?"
"Yea that sounds good. I don't want to interrupt so I'll just sit off to the side and wait. If that's ok?"
"Of course. I don't think anyone would be upset that you don't want to disrupt the meeting. I'll call out to you when we are ready to discuss your predicament."
Wales then walked off to the main table getting ready to conduct the meeting. Leaving Sora to himself, he spotted a chair to plant himself in and wait for his turn in the meeting. Once he got comfy, Sora started to gather his thoughts and prepare to find his answers for this world.
In the process of recollecting himself, Sora was thinking about his friends that he left and may never see again. Feeling sadness starting to creep into his heart, Sora reached into his pocket and pulled up his photos. So many photos taken during his latest journey that ranged from silly and hilarious to heartwarming and sad.
Pictures of Sora, Donald, and Goofy posing in the pool of water back in the Kingdom of Corona. Sora splashing Donald with a handful of water only for Donald to hit back with an ever-bigger splash. A picture of Sora retaliating against Donald and casted a Water spell covering the poor duck from top to bottom in water. Another picture of Goofy posing with his signature salute with Sora in the background lying headfirst in the water.
In another set of pictures, Riku and Mickey are talking with each other in the Mysterious Tower looking all serious. The following pictures show Riku looking puzzled at having his picture taken and then a picture of Riku rushing at towards the camera while the point of view is blurry and random pictures were taken. Sora remembers laughing up a storm which then got Riku laughing leaving Goofy the chance to snap a photo of the two friends having fun.
Sora continued to scroll through his pictures, noticing the ones taken in Monstropolis, Arendale, Olympus, The Caribbean, and San Fransokyo. A set of pictures Sora came across that got him to stop scrolling was when Donald and Goofy met with Woody and Buzz in the Toy world. He remembered feeling stiff in his toy form and wouldn't mind going back to visit his friends there. But what caught his attention was in one of the pictures when the gang went to find Woody's other friends. In one of the pictures with Sora posing, there was a video game poster being advertised, and not just any video game.
Verum Rex.
Sora's breathing started to increase rapidly, and his legs started to shake. He still had no idea who Yozora really was or why he decided to attack him. What really got Sora that he hadn't really paid much mind to was what Yozora had said about going through trials. And then having someone tell him to "Save Sora". None of them made any sense. It couldn't have been an organization member since they all were killed in the Keyblade War. And Sora couldn't think of anyone that followed him into the Final World.
So many questions lingered on Sora's mind that he didn't even notice Wales calling out to him. It took Wales to poke Sora in the cheek several times to break him out of his deep thoughts.
Clearly surprised, Sora felt the girl's finger on his cheek and shook his head confused on what was going on. "Ah! Oh... sorry about that, Wales. I had a lot on my mind."
Wales gave a quick look over Sora, noticing that his legs came to a stop compared to a minute ago where they would not stop shaking. She also noticed that his cheerful attitude she had grown to enjoy being around was gone. Now what she saw was the expression of someone who has seen a lot and was tired while having many questions on their mind.
Now she was very curious about Sora's journey and how he ended up in this world. That is still something she hadn't fully processed yet. Sora coming from another world. Overhearing Sora and Enterprise's talk earlier, she did agree with Enterprise on her take that the Sirens were alien. And if they came from another world, it would explain a lot for how they became such a powerful threat.
Realizing that everyone was waiting for them, Sora jumped up from his seat and straightened his jacket while returning back to his cheerful mood, retaining an embarrassed expression while apologizing to everyone for missing his cue. The other girls noticed how Sora seemed to be in deep thought and did not hear his name being called. Concern started to grow within the girls for their new friend.
Sora, not wanting to delay the meeting any further, walked toward the center of the room with Wales following right behind to direct him where he would be sitting. He then took his seat ready to ask and answer any questions that would affect his future in this world.
Across the ocean and on another island, therein lies the Sakura Empire with many of the ship girls taking on features from various animals whether it be a cat, dog, or even fox features. Many girls were running back and forth enjoying life with smiles on their faces. A wide variety of stalls selling goods to the girls leaving a serene and comfortable atmosphere.
To add to the pleasant and peaceful atmosphere, Sakura trees were scattered all around the island. From a distance one could spot the island easily for its abundance of pink trees.
However, behind a large section of Sakura trees a figure began to fade into existence. Said figure appeared from a flash of white light and was wearing a large black coat that covered their entire body leaving their face unseeable. The figure then started trotting further into the forest behind the Sakura trees, keeping out of sight.
Once a good distance away, the figure then reached their hand out catching a falling blossom and admiring its beauty and gorgeous pink color. Grasping the cherry blossom with their fingers, the figure chuckled and threw the blossom in the air.
"Hoo boy. Just where did you end up this time? Things are not going in the way I thought they were but who cares." The figure was waving their hands up and down dramatizing their words.
"Well then, I guess we should give this world a show of what true power looks like. Isn't that right...Sora. Besides, this world is surprisingly connected."
"Connected to a world that I can't even conceive. "