Disclaimer: not mine
Chapter 9
He smirked at the pathetic mortals before him. They didn't understand, how could they? But Riku would, he was almost ready. Micah had waited so long for someone else to fall into the same trap he had, to believe another worth saving so much that he doomed himself by giving up his humanity to protect them. Amira hadn't been worth it and Riku would realise that Sora hadn't been either. He'd had a few short months of being a true Dream Eater, what was that to forever as a Nightmare? Feeding off the dregs of sleepers dreams rather than feasting on his own dreamers'.
He had been flooding the Worlds with Nightmares and now, with Riku's help, they would drag all the Worlds into sleep. Then, they could feast. He would never go hungry again, never be alone again.
He pulled Riku upright, meeting unfocused eyes, smiling at the younger male. "It will all be over soon, you'll see," he crooned. He raised his free hand, energy gathering, and Riku actually managed to struggle weakly.
"RIKU!" The Princess screamed.
He thrust his hand forward and then cried out as there was a blast of light, flying back to hit the wall hard. What? He blinked and then stared. No! that was impossible.
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Riku slumped to the ground, too weak to move, able to feel himself slipping away…but that…Light…different…but… "Ssss'r…."
The blurry figure crouching over him turned. "Riku," he whispered, shifting to his knees, hands reaching for him, and Riku surrendered to sleep, he was safe now.
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Ven blinked the spots from his eyes and then stared at the figure crouched in front of Riku, the source of the Light…it couldn't be…could it? He was dressed differently, though the colours were similar, red, black, blue and yellow in various amounts. The symbol he could see on the jacket sleeve wasn't familiar at all though. The hair was spiky but longer, brown…
"Ssss'r…." Riku slumped, completely limp, and Kairi gasped.
Then the figure turned, kneeling and reaching for Riku. "Riku," a familiar yet changed voice called.
"Sora?" he whispered as the other carefully lifted Riku.
Sora looked up at him and smiled. "Hey Ven," he stood, shifting his weight oddly even considering Riku was taller than him, with the weight he'd lost he couldn't weigh that much. Then again, Sora looked skinnier too, or maybe it was just a lack of remaining baby fat, they hadn't seen him since he was sixteen after all.
There was a snarl and the Nightmare launched an attack only to be blocked by another figure.
"Watch your back Sora!" a familiar voice snapped, and Ven tensed. What was going on?
Sure enough, that was Void Gear in his hand, though the familiar battle suit was missing which was odd. Their clothing looked to be the same style, tighter fitting than the last fairy gifted outfit Sora had worn, but also a little bulkier…armoured? He was in black and red too but there was also a familiar shade of green…the same colour he wore, as Ventus' Wayfinder. Black hair and a body build the same as Sora's…
The Nightmare snarled and attacked again, Sora putting Riku down to stand defensively over him, hand going to his waist and pulling something small but it quickly extended into a staff which he smacked the guy in the head with, sending him staggering back. Where was his Keyblade?
Something was wrong, even as Ven launched himself at some Nightmares, he kept an eye on Sora and Vanitas. Vanitas was going after the Nightmares, especially the human one, but he kept focusing on Sora to get to Riku. And Sora…he was standing defensively over Riku, wielding the staff well but…he was usually an acrobatic fighter so why stand so still…
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Mickey couldn't believe it. Sora! He was alive! But what was Vanitas doing there? And defending Sora? Where was Sora's Keyblade? It had been years, who knew what had happened to him, they'd been so sure he was dead…but Mickey had gotten a glimpse of his eyes if only briefly and he was sure they'd been blue still. He hated to even briefly consider it, but working with Vanitas…no, Sora wouldn't give into Darkness. And he was fighting to defend Riku, that was a good sign.
"Sora!" Kairi yelled, and Mickey winced as the young man's attention wavered, glancing her way.
"Sora duck!" Vanitas yelled angrily, thrusting out a hand, Unversed forming.
Sora turned back to see why he had yelled, the Nightmare had launched at him, dark energy gathering and Sora stood his ground. If he ducked it could hit Riku. Mickey watched as he braced, staff held in front of him and then he was forced to look away as Light and Darkness clashed.
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Terra lunged, realising Sora wouldn't move, not when it would expose Riku to danger. He didn't know what was going on, why he hadn't summoned his Keyblade, but that blast…and then he threw his hand up to cover his eyes.
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Roxas wasn't blinded by the clashing powers, watching as a dark cloud appeared in Sora's hand a familiar Keyblade "stretching" out in crackling dark energy. Oblivion…but not? Or maybe just changed. The hilt guard was still comprised of two wings but while one still resembled a bat the other looked more like a bird wing, extending downward. The teeth remained the familiar shape of his own Oblivion. The Keychain's token was still Sora's crown icon but now red rather than black. The blade remained hollow, but the chain passing through the gap was now alternating a very dark red and black. The diamond in its hilt seemed unchanged, maybe a little darker in colour?
Even with the changes, it felt like Oblivion but more…solid. And, oh, that was why…it was Sora's Keyblade now, not the Kingdom Key. What could have happened to change that? Sure, the Kingdom Key was meant to be Riku's originally, but it had truly chosen Sora by their confrontation in Hollow Bastion, what could have made it leave him? Was it because of what he did to save Kairi?
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Sora dropped his staff as he felt the familiar power, watching the cloud form, heart racing in anticipation as Oblivion formed in his hand. It was different but then again, so was he. He looked up at the one who'd tried to hurt Riku and grinned, sliding into a stance, feeling the magic surge through his body, stabilising his leg even further. He grinned, knowing there was a feral edge to it and not caring.
The other hesitated, staring at him in confused shock. "You're dead! The bond broke! He's ours now!"
Sora shook his head. "I didn't die, almost, but not fully," he denied. Vani had saved him. Unless he meant when Sora was banished for breaking the rules but that didn't seem right either. Had it been Vanitas' efforts to save him that had broken their bond? Riku was in bad condition, that was very obvious, Sora knew what Nightmares looked like and he was starting to look like one…like the guy confronting him. Was that because of their broken bond?
"I won't let you hurt him," Sora stated firmly. He felt Vanitas move up beside him, own Keyblade in hand.
"About time little brother," he teased, and Sora rolled his eyes.
And then they moved together, Vanitas going high and Sora low since he wasn't sure he trusted his leg to land from aerial manoeuvres.
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Kairi stared as Sora and Vanitas took on the Nightmare that had taken Riku. There was definitely something wrong with how Sora was fighting but she didn't know what. He was taller than she remembered, different, but still Sora. And he made sure he remained between the enemy and Riku's unconscious form, no matter how the other tried to make him move away.
Vanitas suddenly vanished even as Sora sent a blast of ice along the ground, almost freezing the Nightmare's feet to the ground but he moved at the last second, which meant he dodged Vanitas dropping down on him.
He snarled at them. "Riku is ours!" and with that he was gone, the Nightmares thinning out as they kept fighting until the last one was gone.
Sora stared at his Keyblade and then it vanished and he turned to Riku again, kneeling and cradling him to his chest. "Riku?" he put his hand over Riku's Heart and closed his eyes.
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Vanitas stood at Sora's back, guarding them, watching the Guardians warily. He knew what Sora was doing, re-establishing the link between them since it was obvious Riku needed it and fast. But facing the people he'd once tried to kill and vice versa was not a comfortable feeling now that their enemy was gone, for now at least. He seemed desperate to get Riku which meant eventually he'd be back. He pulled back the Unversed with the fight done, knowing Sora would want him to show peaceful intentions. He bit back a scoff at that but then his eyes locked with Ventus'. Okay, he could do peaceful, he'd had practice on their travels, he could do this.
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Ventus stared at Vanitas, taking in red eyes…not gold but red. There was no aggression or taunting in his stance as he literally guarded Sora's back. And Ven found himself smiling, of course Sora would get through to him somehow. He'd even convinced Master Xehanort to change his path, so why not Vanitas as well. He dismissed his Keyblade and stepped forward, dodging Aqua's attempt to stop him.
Vanitas watched him, wary, but there was something in his eyes…longing. Ventus reached out his hand and smiled at his brother. Vanitas swallowed but then reached back, taking his hand and…oh! His eyes widened and he saw Vanitas' do the same as the connection sprung to life between them and he could feel Sora too. The three of them linked, brothers.
"Welcome home," Ven smiled and Vanitas' lips twitched into a small smile in return.
A gasp made him look down and he saw Riku's eyes fly open as he gasped for breath, hands coming up to clutch at Sora's coat as Sora whispered to him.
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Aqua wanted to pull Ven back, to keep him safe, but Roxas and Terra had held her back. Seeing him smile at Vanitas and Vanitas…was smiling back? And then Riku's back arched and he gasped for breath, Aqua immediately calling up healing magic, feeling Kairi do the same, but then he settled in Sora's arms, hands coming up to clutch at the younger male's jacket.
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"It's okay Riku, I've got you, you're safe."
He panted, clutching material in his hands, and slowly his vision focused. "Ss…" he licked his lips, head foggy but he knew him! "So'a?"
"Hey Riku," Sora smiled at him, tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." He leant down, resting his forehead to Riku's. "I'm home now," he promised and Riku clung to that, to the feeling of Sora in his Heart.
Riku…he was Riku…he shuddered, trying to pull himself closer to the Light he could feel. Sora shifted but didn't let go, instead pulling him closer, and Riku's eyes drifted shut, able to hear the steady beat in his ear. The cold emptiness was still there but…there was warmth too, sinking into him, into his Heart. "Yours," he mumbled as fingers ran through his hair.
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"Come on, let's get you two up."
Sora looked up to see concern in Vani's eyes. "I'm fine."
"Your leg won't be," was the stern response, and Sora sighed.
"I can't let him go."
"Fine. Oi! Terra, think you can carry the two idiots?" Vanitas yelled, and Ventus groaned, making Sora laugh.
"Be nice Vani," he chided. The nickname got Ventus' attention, the blond looking down at him and Sora knew when he spotted the change to his eyes, Ventus' widening. Sora shrugged slightly. "I'm okay now, Ventus."
"As long as you keep up your exercises. I will find a way to call Tim if you backslide."
"Ouch, that's just mean. Tim's upset pout is lethal."
"Tim?" Ventus looked between them.
"A friend, he helped Sora get back to being able to walk without limping," Vanitas answered. "Which is why he isn't going to threaten that progress."
Sora looked up as a shadow fell over him, offering a tired smile. "Hi Terra."
"Sora," Terra greeted, looking him over. "Stuck?"
"A little, but I can't let go of him yet."
"Alright, I'll lift him and you hold his hand," Terra suggested.
Sora nodded and grabbed Riku's hand, gently disentangling his grip from his jacket, hearing Riku whine softly. What had he been through since Sora vanished? Terra carefully lifted Riku and Sora stood only to stumbled, Vani grabbing him.
"See," his brother scolded.
"I'll be okay." He kept a firm grip on Riku's hand, his end of their link wide open as it slowly re-established and strengthened.
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Roxas saw Sora stumbled and left the others to join his Other. He slid under Sora's arm to steady him, getting a startled look but then Sora smiled at him in thanks. From the way Vanitas was acting, Roxas was worried about Sora. Had he been badly hurt recently? If he'd needed help to walk… and then he froze as he really looked at Sora's eyes, they were still bright blue but…with red mixed in, the same shade of red as Vanitas' eyes.
"Can we go please?" Sora asked. "Riku needs a bed and I could really use some food."
"Not my fault that last World was so crazy," Vanitas grimaced.
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Terra was very confused by the relationship between Sora and Vanitas but if the boy wasn't going to attack then it could be dealt with later. He held Riku easily, glad Roxas moved in to help Sora when it looked like he might fall even as Ventus put himself between Vanitas and the others. Looking down at Sora, he could see something odd on his skin, mostly hidden by his hair and jacket though. Scars maybe?
What had he been through the last few years? He still smiled but it wasn't as bright as he remembered from their very brief acquaintance. And it sounded like he'd been through a very bad injury at some point as well. Glancing down at Riku, he figured they needed to head for Radiant Garden, between the Apprentices and Aerith most avenues of healing would be available for all three of them. There was no way they were taking Vanitas to the Mysterious Tower.
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Kairi watched as Terra took Riku and then Roxas supported Sora. She wanted to run to him, to hug him, assure herself he was real and not an illusion or part of this Sleeping World but her feet were frozen to the ground. He looked over, smiling, and their eyes met and…it wasn't the same. Something was missing, gone.
"Kairi?" King Mickey called her name, sounding worried, even as she bit her lip.
Sora's smile changed to something sadly accepting and finally her feet obeyed her. She broke into a run and Roxas braced them both before she reached them. Sora wrapped an arm around her even as both of hers went around him, her head against his chest, hearing the steady beat of his heart. He was real.
"Hey," he murmured.
"Sora," she whispered.
"Sorry it took so long."
"You're back, that's all that matters," she told him, lying to them both but at the moment she needed that belief.
"We should go before we're attacked again," Mickey called. "Riku needs medical attention and it looks like Sora does too."
"Radiant?" Terra asked, and Mickey nodded.
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Mickey approached the small group and smiled up at Sora. He could tell the teen was tired and in pain but he still smiled back. There would be time for stories later, once they were safe. "It's good to have you back Sora, we've really missed you."
"Thanks," Sora murmured, he sounded tired. He glanced around and frowned. "Donald and Goofy?"
"Waiting with Master Yen Sid," Mickey explained before Sora could assume the worst.
He caught the slightest flinch from Sora at the old Master's name and definitely saw Vanitas scowl. He could understand Vanitas' feelings towards him given the past but Sora? Though…Riku had commented once after Sora vanished but before he got bad…how hard Yen Sid was on Sora compared to everyone else. Had it been that bad?
"We're going to Radiant Garden; they've been looking after Riku for years now. They can look you two over as well," he made sure to included Vanitas in that, seeing the flicker of surprise.
Mickey lifted his Keyblade to open the portal to take them back to the waking world.
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Demyx straightened up as some kind of portal appeared, shifting his grip on Arpeggio, ready to fight and defend the place that had become his home. It brightened and then vanished with a flash, revealing the Guardians and…Demyx's jaw dropped. "Sora!"
Sora's head snapped his way and the kid blinked before offering a tired looking grin. "Hi Demyx."
He saw Riku limp in Terra's arms, one hand clutched in Sora's so hopefully that was helping.
"I'll tell the others!" he yelled and took off into the castle, still stunned. Sure, Sora had killed him once but he couldn't really blame him. Besides, things had worked out well since then.
He skidded into the lab and Ienzo looked up in alarm.
"They're back, they've got Riku…and Sora," he rushed out, and he saw Ienzo's visible eye go wide before he began rushing about, prepping two exam beds.
Demyx quickly joined him as Even and Ansem entered the room, quickly explaining it to them.
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By the time they reached the lab Sora was walking unaided though dragging his leg slightly, still clutching tight to Riku's hand. He glanced around, seeing Ienzo who he'd never actually met in person, just seen on the phone. There was Ansem…DiZ…and he thought the other blond was Even? He was pretty sure he'd never met him, though he'd probably met his Nobody at Castle Oblivion. He knew Demyx of course, but he seemed a lot more human now, though he'd always seemed the most human of the group.
He happily sat on the bed, Riku on the one beside him, close enough he could keep his hold on his hand. He grinned as Ventus forced Vanitas onto a third and Vani grumbled, sitting with his arms crossed. Sora knew his brother well enough now to know most of it was for show.
Kairi hovered between him and Riku, looking worried. It was weird but he just…didn't feel the same connection to her as he used to. Had they changed that much while apart? He knew he had; he wasn't the same as the boy who had left them.
And then Ienzo asked him to take his jacket and shirt off so they could attach a machine and Sora grimaced but nodded. They'd all see now. He managed to get the jacket off by switching hands between sleeves. He had to let got to pull the shirt off but grabbed Riku's hand again immediately. He stared at the wall as Ienzo froze and then he heard the gasps and sounds of horror as they saw.
TBC…