Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or Legend of Heroes. They are own by Square Enix and Nihon Falcom respectively
Chapter 1: Welcome to Heimdallr! First Step in Erebonia!
"Hey, kid you'll get eaten by monsters if you sleep out here."
"W-what?" Sora slowly opens his eyes to see an older man hovering over him.
"Gee, you gave me a scare, kid. What do you think you're doing taking a nap out here?" question the man as he placed his hands on his hips.
"Where am I?" asked Sora as he rubbed his eyes. Sora's eyes widened as he quickly jumped off the ground, surprising the traveler. "Aidios! Am I here in Erebonia?"
"Woah, woah, kid calm down." Sora finally noticed the man as he turned his head at him. "You get knocked on the head or something?"
"Uh who are you?" Sora looked around to see he was in an open field, strange creatures wandering around, and there seemed to be a bundle of buildings in the distance. "Also is this Erebonia?" The man scratched his brown hair in confusion.
"Yeah, where else would you be? You're actually near Heimdallr as a matter of fact." Sora tilted his head.
"Heimdallr?" Sora looked straight ahead, finally noticing some buildings down the road. "Is he talking about that city over there?"
"Um yeah? The Imperial Capital of Erebonia, home to the Royal Family." The man noticed Sora was still staring at him with a raised eyebrow. The man sighed as he slumped in defeat. "Kid, I'm starting to think you really did get knocked on the head! That's common knowledge, how do you not know that?"
"S-sorry, I'm kind of new here?" Sora shrugged. "So I don't know everything about Erebonia."
"A foreigner? Where are you from? Liberl, Crossbell?" question the man. "Still, you must have heard of Heimdallr. I'm pretty sure they put it in the newspaper where you're from." Sora wasn't sure how to answer. He doesn't know what a Liberl or Crossbell is.
Well I'm from neither. I'm from Destiny Islands." answered Sora.
"Destiny Islands? Never heard of it. Where is it located?"
"It's pretty far away. It's isolated from the rest of the world." Sora is technically not lying since Destiny Islands really is isolated no other land except for his islands. "We really don't get any news from the outside world, and it's rare we get any visitors." The man's eyes looked like they could pop out of his head as he looked at Sora like he was an alien.
"Are you serious kid? You must be living in the sticks if you haven't heard of Heimdallr or even Liberl, or Crossbell!" Sora scratched his cheek as he gave a nervous chuckle. He's not completely wrong since there really isn't much of Destiny Islands. But hey it's still home.
"So what is this Liberl and Crossbell you keep mentioning?" Aidios did mention this world housed many nations, and Erebonia was just one of them. The young keyblade wielder wondered if Liberl and Crossbell were the other nations beside Erebonia.
"How about we head to Heimdallr and I'll explain on the way. I don't want to be a sitting duck for the monsters." Sora noticed the man was wearing a light brown shirt with a dark brown jacket over it, olive color pants, and boots. On his back was a huge bag. At a small glance Sora could see different types of items that were stored in the bag. "Plus, I don't want my boss killing me for being late."
"Boss? Wait, are you working right now?" question Sora.
The man nodded. "Yep, the boss wanted me to pick up a few things from Grenville." The man sighed. "Of all things to happen to cause the train to be down for the day."
Sora tilted his head in confusion. "Did something happen?"
"Don't worry about it. We should get going." Sora shrugged his shoulders as he followed the traveler. "By the way, I'm Nate, you?"
"I'm Sora!"
Heimdallr- Vainqueur Street
Background Music: Heimdallr, the Vermillion Capital (Legend of Heroes Cold Steel 1)
It actually didn't take long to get to Heimdallr for Sora and Nate. No monsters came they're way either, but if they did, Sora was confident he could beat them without Nate getting hurt. As they were walking to Nate's job, Sora learned a few things from the young worker. First off, he is in Erebonia, and Heimdallr, is the imperial capital of said nation as he said earlier. Heimdallr also houses the Imperial Family, who pretty much rule Erebonia in whole. The imperial family consists of Emperor Eugent Reise Arnor III, the current ruler of Erebonia, Empress Priscilla Reise Arnor, the emperor's wife, and their three kids, two of those kids are considered Erebonia's National treasures. The people seem to love and respect the imperial family according to Nate.
"That's good, Erebonia has a good leader people would follow." thought Sora. The young keybearer looked at all the different people walking by. Everyone was smiling, greeting with politeness. Even Sora got a few hellos from complete strangers. At first glance there was nothing but peace within Heimdallr. "To think a curse is hiding within this peaceful nation, then again I should know by now within light there is also darkness." Sora had thought to seek an audience with the Emperor, since being the ruler of Erebonia he should know if anything has been out of place, or at least in Heimdallr. But that was shot down by Nate immediately. Not everyone can just go up and meet the imperial family like it's no big deal according to the young worker.
"Here we are!" Sora noticed they were in front of a huge building with the words "Plaza Bifrost" above the door. "This is where I work!"
"Plaza Bifrost?" question Sora.
Nate nodded. "Yep, it's a department store, it holds more than one store inside. I work upstairs but I practically know everyone that works here. Come on, let's get inside so I can drop off these merchandise. My back is killing me."
Heimdallr- Plaza Bifrost
Sora and Nate entered the store with Nate sighing in relief. Sora looked around the store to get a good look at where Nate worked. There were actually a decent amount of people inside the store. Sora could see someone buying several books at one stand, another buying some food ingredients, and this was just downstairs!
"Nate, you're finally back!" In the middle of the store is a long brown hair woman with green eyes behind a stand waving at Sora, and Nate.
"Silla! Good to see you!" Sora and Nate walked over to the young woman. "It's been forever since I've seen you."
"You've been gone for days! We were worried about you!" Silla's eyes were close to tearing up. "Flint was even about to close shop to look for you!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. When I got to Leeves and was waiting for the train for Heimdallr, there was an announcement that there would be no train coming from Heimdallr." explain Nate. "So I thought the quickest option was to just hike it here." Nate hunch over in exhaustion. "It wasn't easy getting here."
"Oh, that's right. You were gone so you wouldn't know what happen." said Silla. Nate raised an eyebrow. "Apparently some monsters attack Central Station, and a couple of the staff vanish."
"WHAT!" shouted Nate in shock. Some shoppers took a small glance at Nate with a small frown as they passed by.
"Keep it down, you're distracting the customers." scolded Silla.
"Sorry, sorry!" Nate took a deep breath as he calmed down. "But, how did monsters get inside the city?"
"Is it that unusual? asked Sora. Nate and Silla looked at Sora, with Silla finally noticing he was standing next to Nate.
"Yes, that's unusual!" said Nate. "There hasn't been a monster attack for as long as I've lived here!"
"Nate, who's your friend?"
"Oh, that's right, forget to introduce you." Nate pointed at Sora. "Silla, meet Sora. I met him on my way here. He's a foreigner visiting Erebonia."
"Oh, are you from Liberl, or Crossbell?" question Silla.
"He's not from either." answered Nate. Silla raised an eyebrow. "I'll explain later."
"Well in any case, nice to meet you, Sora!" Silla bowed. "To answer your question from earlier, yes it's very unusual for a monster to appear inside the city." Silla frowned. "It caused such an uproar."
"Really? Everyone didn't seem to be in panic when we arrived?" question Sora.
Nate nodded. "Yeah, everything seems normal to me. With the way everyone is acting, I wouldn't think there was something wrong." Nate looked around the store, watching everyone shopping. "I mean we're still getting customers."
"That's thanks to RMP and HMP. They were able to calm everyone down before things could escalate." answered Silla.
"RMP, HMP?" repeated Sora.
"Railway Military Police, and Heimdallr Military Police." answered Nate. "They're a part of the Imperial Army of Erebonia." Noticing Sora's confused look, Silla continued.
"The Imperial Army is a military force under the command of Emperor Eugent, and his Imperial Government."
"Yeah, it's full of different divisions, and a ton of strong soldiers," said Nate, as he shuddered. "I wouldn't want to face any of them."
"Are they really that strong?" thought Sora. "It sounds like Erebonia has a ton of strong fighters at least. I wonder if I'll be able to meet any of them?"
"If you have enough energy to gossip, you have enough energy to work!" The trio looked up to see an older man with long white hair walking downstairs with his arms crossed. "I can't handle the store by myself, Nate."
"Can't you cut me a break!" whined Nate. "I just got back from traveling on foot, and it wasn't easy walking here!" The old man sighed.
"Look if it was any other day, I would give you the day off, but we have been pretty busy lately. I've been swamped by customers without any break."
"Has it really been that busy lately?" question Nate, looking at Silla. Silla nodded which caused Nate to sighed. "Alright, alright, I'll be upstairs shortly."
"I'll give you two hours to get settled, but after that I need you back here, alright?" Nate nodded. The old man nodded and walked back upstairs.
"Great," sighed Nate, "Oh well. At least he gave me 2 hours."
"Sorry, Nate," said Silla, "You know Flint would have given you the day off, but we really have been busy lately."
"It's no problem." answered Nate. Nate turns his attention to Sora. "I was hoping to have the day off so I can show you Heimdallr."
"Really?" Sora was taken back by that. After all, he and Nate just met today, so to take time out of his day to show him around this town is surprising. "The people here are really nice." thought Sora. "No worries, Nate. I think I can find my way around town."
"Oh, I don't know, Sora." Silla looked concerned. "Heimdallr is a big place. It can overwhelm new people without some sort of guide."
"Yeah, she's got a point." Nate looked to be in deep thought before he snapped his fingers. "I got it! Sora come with me to my house! I'm pretty sure I got a map laying around the house somewhere."
"Oh, yes that's a splendid idea! With a map guiding him, he should be fine on his way." smiled Silla.
"Well, if it's not too much trouble," said Sora. Nate already guided Sora here to Heimdallr, and didn't want to trouble Nate any further. "Then sure I'm game."
"Wonderfully!" said Nate. "Let's be on our way then! Silla, I'll see you later!"
"See you later, Nate!" Silla waved at Nate. "And Sora, take care! Come back anytime!"
"I will!" With that Sora and Nate walked out of Plaza Bifrost, heading towards Nate's house.
Heimdallr- Alto Street
Sora found himself in Alto Street with Nate as they entered his house. They rode here on a bus as they passed through different streets, and stores to reach here. As they were riding, Sora could get a better idea of how big this city is, and it's pretty big! Sora understands now why Nate and Silla were concerned about him wandering the Heimdallr without a guide. No doubt he would have been lost for days.
"Now, hang on, I know I have that map somewhere around here." Nate said as he looked over his belongings. Sora looked around Nate's house as he looked for the map. It was actually basic looking. Kitchen and living room on the same floor. Had what looked like a radio on a bookshelf, there were some stairs to his right which he had to guess was his bedroom.
"HA! Found it!" shouted Nate. Sora drew his attention back to Nate as the young shop worker walked towards Sora with a map in his hand. "Yep, this should keep you from getting lost." Nate handed Sora the map and the keyblade wielder started to look over it. There were indeed a lot of places to explore. But, there was one place he wanted to explore. Nate and Silla's conversation concerns him. After all he just showed up, but according to Silla they were here for a while. "Any place that catches your interest?" Sora nodded.
"Yeah, the station."
"The station? Why there?" asked Nate. Sora bit his lip as he tried to come with an answer. He didn't want to concern Nate, but he had an idea of what those monsters that attack the station could be. Before Sora could reply, Nate continued talking. "I doubt it will be interesting. Especially since the RMP, or the HMP will be there no doubt."
"Really? The accident has been over for a couple of days. So wouldn't they already move on?" question Sora. Sora is hoping to investigate without watching eyes. Normally he wouldn't do this, but right now he is alone, without Donald and Goofy, in a new world. He doesn't know the rules of this world yet, and causing trouble wouldn't be smart. Especially with this world's own military force. Nate shook his head.
"No, I don't think so. Silla said RMP and HMP calmed down the public. But, she didn't say they solved what these monsters are, or even found the missing victims." Nate looked at the clock on his wall to see his 2 hours are almost done. "Speaking of Silla, I better get to work."
"Sorry, didn't mean to hold you up." Sora folded the map, and went to the door, "Thanks again, Nate!"
"No problem, Sora!" Nate watched Sora exit his house as he turned to his stairs ready to get back to work. "He seemed like a good kid. I hope I run into him again." Nate paused as he realized something. Did Sora ever mention where he was staying? Nate did find Sora sleeping in the middle of the road after all, maybe he should have given him some money to stay at the inn at least for a day, or let him sleep here. Nate looked back at his door with a worried look on his face. "Oh boy."
Back to Sora as he entered the bus with a destination in mind, Central Station. Nate said RMP, or HMP will be at the station. Probably both knowing his luck. Sora sighed as he sat down while the bus started to drive away. He can imagine seeing him investigate would cause some suspension, and considering he doesn't belong in this world…yeah he better try to lay low until he gets his bearings. How he's going to handle this, he'll figure it out as soon as he gets to the station.
"Oh boy." Sora could already tell this is going to be a long journey. His first part of it, see if the Heartless are really in this world.
Background music ends
Heimdallr- Central Station
Background music: Trouble Outbreak (Legend of Heroes Cold Steel 1)
"Woah." Sora arrived at the station, and couldn't help but look awed at the sight before him. Central Station is big. Probably the biggest part he has seen so far, or maybe Vainqueur Street. Honestly this whole city is big, he silently thanked Nate as he couldn't imagine walking around here without the map Nate gave. Sora walked past a bunch of people as he made his way inside the station. He noticed some people wearing fancy looking clothes, with what looks like maids trailing behind them, and some wearing normal casual clothing.
"I guess the Imperial family aren't the only royalty in this world." thought Sora. He assumes these people with fancy clothing are royalty. They do resemble the sort of clothing he saw The Beast wear that one time, or Elsa when he first met her. Sora is not used to seeing so many royalties walking around compared to other worlds.
"Something to take note of I suppose." But right now he has important matters that he needs to focus on right now. Sora entered the station looking in awe at all the trains. He caught at least two leaving right now as walk towards the railing. As he looks down the young keyblade wielder is noticing a bunch of people, wearing a gray uniform with a gray hat, and black boots, observing everyone as they walk by.
"RMP is working hard I see." said a male resident next to Sora as he was talking to a female resident, "Then again can't say I'm surprised."
The female resident nodded. "Right. To think monsters just showed out the blue like that. Right near the RMP office." Sora took a quick glance at the two in shock. Nate failed to mention the RMP headquarters were here in this station. "While RMP are checking things here, the HMP are also looking around town questioning people that look anything out of place before the attack happens."
"Like that would do anything good." The male resident frowned. "They don't want to admit it, but they don't have a clue on what those monsters are or even who sent them!" He started to clench his fist. "We may all look calm but inside we're terrified. This has never happened before. Who knows where they showed up again!"
"I know, I know." The female is trying to calm the man down. "You know, just as I do, the RMP, and HMP are doing their best. This is their home too with their own families to worry about. They're doing the best they can with what they know."
The man sighed. "I know. I think what really gets to me is the monster didn't kill their victims, they just made them vanish." Sora stood there silent as he never thought of what ordinary people of each world think of the Heartless (if it is them). He always knew they were bad, and he had to stop them. But to normal people, they're probably the most terrifying thing they have ever witnessed with no way to defend themselves especially if one manages to steal someone's heart. Even Shadows may even look terrifying to them despite how small they look. "You know my friend's wife was here that day, and she's still shook about it."
"Oh my, I hope she's okay." The female looked concerned. "Has she talked to RMP, or HMP yet about what she knows?"
"Yeah, she did, and actually she managed to get a good look at one of the monsters," said the man, "Freaked her out." The female resident's eyes widened.
"WHAT!" The man put his finger to his mouth telling her to shush.
"Keep it down! My friend told me the RMP and HMP are keeping it under wraps so as not to cause a panic." The man lowered his voice into a whisper but Sora could still hear him. "Apparently these monsters look like a black ant with yellow eyes with two antennae on their head. She had-," At that point Sora stopped listening because he heard what he needed to hear."
"The Heartless are here." thought Sora with a sigh. "How did they get here? Did someone in this world manage to summon them? Did their darkness attract them here? Maybe this curse attracts them here?" That is a very likely possibility. The way Aidios was describing the curse was it brings the negativity out of people, and maybe when that happens the heartless are attracted to it. "Then again, she says it's pretty weak right now. Maybe-,"
"Hey, look, it's Captain Claire!" The female resident pointed at someone down below near the trains.
"Captain who?" Sora looked down to see the female resident pointing at a young female wearing the RMP uniform, has long sky blue hair tied in a ponytail, and red eyes. Sora noticed everyone was staring at her, especially the males, as she walked up the stairs with several other officers of the RMP walking behind her. "Wow, she must be someone important if everyone is just in awe of her."
Claire herself was used to people gawking at her in awe, and maybe felt intimidated by her. After all she is known to be the "Icy Maiden" to her enemies, and the way she presents herself to the public might have an effect. She does get straight to business after all when it comes to work. As she walked by she took a glance at a boy with brown spiky hair, and blue eyes, also looking at her in awe, but there wasn't even a hint of intimidation. Curiosity, maybe? She was unsure. Sora noticed her staring at him. He didn't know why, so he just smiled at her and waved. Claire's eyes widened a bit by that, but she quickly gave the boy a small smile, and waved back.
"That was…new." thought Claire. She honestly didn't know how else to describe it. Regardless, she has important matters that need her attention. They have the description of the monster that attacked the station a couple of days ago. "But, that's not enough. We need to know how they were able to appear out of the blue like that, and who brought them in?" Claire sighed. "Honestly it's all just one big headache."
Right now she'll leave her men here to continue the investigation, and head over to the palace. She has a meeting with one of Erebonia national treasures after all. Sora watched as Claire and her subordinates left the station as everyone around him started to relax.
"To see the Icy Maiden so close up! She really is beautiful!"
"Though don't you think she was quite intimidating, especially up close."
"Just the way she carried herself! I want to be just like the Icy Maiden!"
"Icy Maiden?" muttered Sora, "She seems nice to me." Sora shrugged, and headed out the building as he pulled out the map Nate gave him. Honestly Sora is pretty lost on what to do now. In a new environment he hasn't even a faintest idea where the Heartless could be hiding or even who can summon them. The station alone is crowded, and picking out one person without causing a scene might be difficult even for him. Sora sighed as he went over to the bus. "Well when feeling lost, I'll do what I always do. Follow my heart."
Background music ends
Heimdallr- Mater Park
"Mater Park! I always loved coming here with my brother when I was younger!"
"Your Highness! Please don't wander off too far."
"Sorry, Claire!" I just got excited!" Her Highness is a 15 year old girl with long blonde hair with a red bow on the braided part of her, she had light blue eyes behind her red tainted glasses. You could tell she is some type of royalty as her red dress was with frills and ruffles, she wore a lavender bow, and red boots. This is Alfin Reise Arnor, the Princess of Erebonia, one of Erebonia's National Treasures.
"I know this must be exciting for you since you can't leave the palace as often.'' said Claire as she caught up with Alfin. "At least not without someone watching over you. We can't have the public know you're out and about. You'll be swarmed by everybody if they knew you were here."
"Oh I'm sure I'll be fine," said Alfin. "With these glasses I'm pretty sure everyone thinks I'm just some random noble."
"Your Highness." Claire sighed. "I sometimes feel like you are not aware of how popular you really are."
"You know it would also help if you don't call me Your Highness in public as well." said Alfin with a teasing smile as she walked off. "Come on, Claire. I heard you have been working hard these past days, take this time to relax!"
"Is that why you asked me to personally escort you here to Mater Park?" asked Claire.
"Maybe." giggled Alfin as she winked at Claire. Claire sighed and shook her head. Sometimes she doesn't know what she's going to do with that girl. Though maybe she's right that she needs to take a break, even a small one. Claire looked around to see Mater Park is actually crowded today. She could see a couple of students with musical instruments playing in the distance, some people were surrounding them enjoying their performance, romantic couples snuggling close to one another, and kids running around playing with each other with their parents talking with one another. It was nice, and peaceful.
"I'm happy everyone is able to have a peace of mind." commented Claire. "Despite what happened days ago at Central Station."
"Maybe, it's due to the hard work of a certain captain in RMP." Claire shook her head as she saw Alfin flashing one of her teasing grin. "You may be called the "Icy Maiden'' but I think you're one of nicest people I know!" Claire started to blush in embarrassment. Normally she would keep her composer but to be complimented by this nation princess, well its an honor if she's honest.
"You're Highness…" a small smile spread across her face. Alfin grabbed Claire' arms catching her by surprise, as she was pulling her.
"Come on! Since you're here, you have to come see the Crystal Garden!"
"W-w-wait! I've seen-," Claire couldn't finish her sentence as she was continuing to be dragged by Alfin. Unknown to them and the rest of the people at the park a dark shadow moving across the park. Behind it were other shadows spreading out as the lone shadow started to crawl out revealing its big yellow eyes as chaos was about to spread at Mater Park.
Heimdallr- Vainqueur Street
Sora found himself back at Vainqueur Street as the young keybearer scratched his head as he walked down the street. After Central Station, Sora was still lost on what to do next. Sora is doing what he always does and that is following his heart. But, it just felt like he was wandering around aimlessly. Sora thought about seeing Nate, but quickly dismissed it as he is probably busy with work now. As Sora continued his walk he noticed everyone was looking in the same direction with a concerned look on their face.
"What's going on?" thought Sora walked closer with everyone else. He saw RMP and people in military blue uniform officers running towards the direction everyone was staring at. Sora took out his map. The people in the blue uniform were the Heimdallr Military Police. "In that direction would be Mater Park. Did something happen?" The young keyblade wielder saw some HMP was pushing people away as the RMP continued to head towards Mater Park.
"Hey what's going on?" screamed a female citizen.
"Did something happen at Mater Park?"
"What aren't you telling us!"
"Everyone remain calm!" shouted a HMP officer.
"Please step away! We have the situation under control!" shouted another HMP officer. "This is for your safety!" This didn't ease the citizens as they looked even more anxious. Everyone looked at one other in concern. Sora could see the nervousness in the eyes of the citizens, parents holding their children close to them, or just muttering themselves.
"What do you think happened?"
"Who knows? Probably an attack?"
"An attack? By who? Who would attack Heimdallr?
And unannounced as well. They struck right inside Heimdallr, unannounced, it's almost like-,"
"Like at Central Station! It's those monsters! They've come back!" The male citizen pointed at the blockage of HMP. "That's what your hiding isn't!"
"P-p-please calm down! We have the situation under control!" Sora could see the officers of HMP were nervous. If not by their stuttering, then at the sweat that was starting to drop on their face. He wasn't the only one who noticed this.
"It is, isn't! Those monsters are back!"
"What are you doing about this! This isn't the first time they appeared!" Sora looked around him to see everyone was starting to get restless. Eventually there will be panic, and that panic will spread across Heimdallr. And Sora couldn't allow that to happen.
"I don't know how long they've been here, but it stops now!" thought Sora. Sora looked around the area to see if there was a way around HMP. Sora looks at the building next to him, and immediately gives him an idea. "I hope I can still use flowmotion." Luckily for Sora, he received his answer as his body started to glow blue as he jumped onto the building repeatedly to reach the top. The HMP were too occupied to calm Heimdallr citizens from panic, which was okay by him. Once Sora reached the top, the young keyblade wielder jumped off from the building, landed safely on the ground with a roll, and ran towards Mater Park.
Heimdallr- Mater Park
Background music: Tension Rising (Kingdom Hearts 2.5 OST)
Sora entered Mater Park and immediately summoned his keyblade, Kingdom Key, as a heartless was thrown at the young keyblade wielder. With one slash Sora eliminated the heartless and took time to access the situation. It didn't look good. Heartless of different kinds were in the area. Both in air and ground. He saw both RMP and HMP in the area as well. HMP are at the entrance of the Park providing cover for people running away from the Heartless, while RMP were mostly the ones fighting the Heartless. So far it looks like the majority of people manage to get to safety with the HMP, but could see there were a few people left that needed to be saved. Before Sora could run off to fight the heartless he was pulled back by a HMP causing him to stumble.
"Where did this kid come from!" yelled the officer.
"What are the others doing? They can't even stop a kid!"
"Come on, this is no place for children!" shouted the officer as he started to pull Sora away.
"Wait, you don't understand! You guys don't know what you're up against." protested Sora. Sora was trying to get out of the officer's grip, but was failing. The young world traveler has to admit this guy has an iron grip as he was struggling to pull away from the officer's grip. As Sora was being pulled away, more Heartless were targeting the entrance as more HMP officers came to the front shooting with their rifles.
"What the hell! Why all of sudden they're coming this way!" shouted an officer taking out a heartless.
"Maybe something grabbed their attention!"
"Like what!"
"Like me!" thought Sora. Being a keyblade wielder attracts the Heartless more than regular people. Which is why Sora needs to get out there and draw their attention away from innocent people. "Alright, if I'm going to be any help, I can't play nice!" Sora looks at his keyblade and gets an idea.
"Alright, kid. Let's get you out of here. Get to your parents as soon as possible!"
"Sorry about this!" shouted Sora as he pointed his Kingdom Key at the sky as Sora used some light magic to call forth a burst of light causing everyone to flinch and look away.
"Ah! Is he using a orbal art?" shouted a male HMP officer. Sora pulled away from the HMP officer that grabbed him, and took the time to analyze Mater Park. Sora smirked as he saw a familiar Heartless in the sky, Air Soldiers. Sora started to glow blue once more as he launched himself towards the airborne Heartless, surprising many HMP officers. Sora was bouncing from Heartless to Heartless until he was on the other side of the park. This is Sora's flowmotion technique, Airstep. Sora quickly notices there were Shadows and Neoshadows at the spot where he was going to land fighting RMP officers.
"Look out below!" shouted Sora as he used his Flowmation skill, Sonic Cleave. Sora did a downward slash as the impact caused some Shadows and Neoshadows to get blown away or simply destroyed as they disappeared in a puff of dark smoke. Sora got into his battle stance ready to fight.
"Alright, let's go!" As if the Heartless heard him, Air Soldiers, Shadows, and Neoshadows came charging at Sora ignoring the citizens and RMP. Sora dashed towards some Shadows with a slide as he defeated each Shadow that came into his direction. A Neoshadow tried to sneak attack Sora from behind, Sora rolled out of the way, and continued to slash at the Neoshadow until it was defeated. Sora looked up to three Air Soldiers diving at Sora with a kick. Sora actually blocked all three attacks, and did a quick counter attack, which was an upper slash defeating one of the Heartless while the two other airborne Heartless were blown away, stunned by the attack. Two more Air Soldiers came flying at the keybearer ready to join in on the fight. Sora grinned as he quickly used his Airstep on one of the stunned Air Soldiers as he started to spin around the creature of darkness using Flowmotion. As Sora was spinning, the two charging Air Soldiers, and the other stunned one were sucked in by Sora's spinning.
"This is it!" shouted Sora as he destroyed each Air Soldier with a horizontal spin slash. Sora smiled as he saw the floating hearts soar into the sky. Sora's small victory was short as he was attacked from behind by a Shadow and Neoshadow . Before Sora could recover, another Neoshadow launched itself in the air attacking Sora with its own spin attack, sending Sora flying into a lamp post. Sora quickly recovered by latching on the lamp post with the teeth of his Kingdom Key as he started to spin. "See ya!" Sora launched himself back at the Shadow and two Neoshadows with a counter spin slash taking them out with one sweep. Sora took a look around as they were still some Shadows, Neoshadows, and Air Soldiers remaining.
"Let's finish up with some magic!" Sora pointed his Kingdom Key at the group of Heartless. "FIRAGA!" Sora blinked as nothing came out. Sora tried again, but no fireball came out of Sora's keyblade. Sora had to roll out of the way as the Heartless came charging at him as they weren't going to wait for him to figure out his magic.
"Should I use a lower tier?" Sora, not having a lot of options, pointed his keyblade at the Heartless again. "FIRE!" This time Sora used the first tier of fire, and it worked as a single fireball came out of his keyblade and hit a single Shadow. Sora frowned, it looks like he didn't lose his magic completely, but it was weakened. By how much, well these Heartless in front of him will make good target practice. "THUNDER!" Sora pointed his keyblade up to the sky, and used his first tier of thunder. Small-size bolts of thunder rained down on the group of Heartless destroying the majority of them.
"Okay some of my spells are still working. Figuring out my strength will be something to look forward to." The remaining Air Soldiers, Shadows, and Neoshadows had electricity covering their bodies as they were paralyzed by Sora's attack. "I know the perfect way to end this!" Sora started to concentrate on each Heartless as he jumped up in the air, and pointed his keyblade ready to use his Shot lock, Ragnarok.
"It's over!" The tip of Sora's keyblade started to gather light as Sora fired a stream of light projectiles destroying the remaining Heartless ending the fight. Sora smiled as he looked around the area. All Heartless were gone in this area. "A job well done."
Background music ends
"Young man." Sora turned around to see a group of RMP officers walking towards him. The RMP in front had a stern look on his face. "What do you think you're doing interfering with the work of the Railway Military Police?"
"Uh oh, I kind of forgot they were here." thought Sora. "Sorry, it's just I heard about the Heartless attacking, and I-,"
"Wait, Heartless?" question another RMP officer. "You know what those things are?
"Matter of fact, how did you get here? You just dropped from the sky." said a female RMP officer.
"Well I-," Sora started to say.
"There he is!"
"Oh boy." thought Sora as he started to sweat nervously as some HMP officers started to run towards Sora, and the RMP officers.
"Young man, you're in a lot of trouble." said an HMP officer as he crossed his arm. Sora gulped. He really didn't think that far ahead when coming here.
"You know this kid?" asked an RMP officer.
"Hardly." scoffed a female HMP officer. "This kid blasted an orbal art to blind us, and bolted off in some blue aura to fight off those monsters." Sora started to sweat even more nervously.
"Well, in any case, you're coming with us, kid." said a RMP soldier. "You have a lot of questions to answer."
"Shouldn't we wait till help Captain Claire?" question a female RMP soldier.
"Wait, where is Captain Claire? I believe I saw her here at Mater Park?" asked a HMP soldier. As both HMP and RMP started to talk to one another ignoring Sora.
"Captain Claire?" thought Sora with a raised eyebrow. "Are they talking about that nice-,"
An explosion set off at the Crystal Garden causing Sora, RMP, and HMP to look behind them. It sounded like gunshots were being set loose meaning a fight was still ongoing. Sora immediately summoned his keyblade and started to run towards the Crystal Garden.
"Hey kid, come back here!"
"Damn it! I swear kids today!" said a male RMP soldier as he turned to a HMP soldier. "Any citizens left in Mater Park, help them, and get them out of here! We have no idea if those…Heartless will come back."
"Heartless?"
"It's what that kid called them. He knows something. In any case, get going!"
"Right! Let's get going!" The HMP started to scatter around Mater Park as they helped the remaining citizens. While the RMP followed after Sora.
Crystal Garden
Claire has fought many monsters before, graduated from Thors, joined the Ironblood, and became Captain within the RMP. Out of her whole life she has never seen monsters like these before. In front of Claire, and Alfin are some Neoshadows, Air Soldiers, Shadows, and Soldiers. Alfin is cowering behind Claire. She hasn't seen many monsters before, I mean she has heard stories from her brother, but see them up close is terrifying. Not only that, these monsters just send chills up her spine.
Claire shot at one of the Air Soldiers with her Orbal gun as the heartless started to spread out. Several Air Soldiers dove at Captain Claire as she grabbed Alfin out of the way, and dodged the attack. Claire kicked one of the Air Soldiers into the other airborne soldiers, and shot several shots at the heartless, defeating them.
Claire turned around to see a Shadow, and Neoshadow jumped out of a shadow to lunge at Claire. Claire managed to shoot the Shadow, but the Neoshadow managed to dodge out of the way and scratch her with its claws. An Air Soldier came diving towards Claire as it landed an uppercut sending her flying in the air.
Claire managed to recover as she aimed her orbal gun and made quick work of both Air Soldier and Neoshadow. Claire, noticing Alfin is defenseless, started to descend towards Erebonia's princess only to be stopped by a herd of Air Soldiers. The herd of airborne heartless would just juggle Claire in the air with kicks and punches. Claire would manage to counterattack against several Air Soldiers with her orbal gun, but the dark fiends would still manage to keep her away from Alfin.
"Your Highness!" Claire looked down to see Alfin surrounded by Neoshadows. "I do not have time for this" Claire glared at the Air Soldiers as she was ready to take them out with one attack.
Down on the ground Alfin was shaking in fear as the Neoshadows stared at her with their large yellow eyes. Alfin could only stand in fear as the large shadow heartless surrounded her in a circle. Neoshadows lunged towards Alfin as she started to cower.
"THUNDER!" Alfin looked up to see a rain of thunderbolts struck each Neoshadow, defeating them effortlessly. She could see a boy bouncing from wall to wall as he landed right in front of her. Alfin took a good look at her savior. He looked to be around her age, has brown spiky hair, and his outfit, well she has never seen anything like it. He was also wielding a giant key? The boy reached out his hand. "Are you okay?"
"Y-yes, thank you." Alfin gently grabbed the boy's hand as he lifted her up.
Claire couldn't help but recognize that boy. It was brief but she remembered him at the station. Wanting answers, Claire started to glow as she summoned a large ice crystal above the herd of Air Soldiers and took a shot at it with her orbal gun.
"Frigid Ice!" The large ice crystal shattered as its large chunks of ice crushed each Air Soldier, defeating them. Claire landed in front of Sora and Alfin.
"Cool." said Sora as he and Alfin looked in awe.
"Thank you for your assistance." said Claire, eyeing Sora up and down. She raised an eyebrow at Sora's weapon. It was a giant key? Is it a weapon? If it is, she's never seen anything like it. "I believe I saw you at Central Station."
"Yep, I'm-," Before Sora could introduce himself, Sora glanced to his side as he smacked an Air Soldier away with his Kingdom Key. "Ugh, more of them."
"I suppose they won't let us have our conversation peacefully." Claire glared at the heartless as she shifted into a battle pose.
Background Music: Working Together (Kingdom Hearts 2.5 OST)
"Okay, here's the plan! They'll be mostly after me, so you should hang back, and protect the girl just in case any of them get past me." instructed Sora.
"Wait, why would they be after-," Claire stopped herself as She noticed something else Sora said. He referred to Alfin as "the girl". She looked back at Alfin who also looked confused. Now Alfin wouldn't say she's vain, but she's pretty sure everyone in Erebonia knows who she is and what she looks like. It's one of the reasons why she put on that little disguise today, even if the disguise is just a pair of glasses. Maybe it's because he's in the middle of a fight right now and he doesn't recognize her.
Claire shook her head as she prepared herself for another round. She'll get answers later. Right now, she just has to protect Her Highness. The fight has started again as Sora was taking out Heartless after Heartless. The fight outside and this fight, Sora was starting to get familiar with his strength again. Still not at full power, but he was getting used to the level he was at now. Sora used his Flowmotion as he jumped from Heartless to Heartless, doing a horizontal spinning slash, taking out any Heartless that was near him.
Claire herself was doing a lot better thanks to Sora's backup. It was as he said, these creatures' attention were mainly at Sora, but that didn't stop a few targeting her and Alfin. Shot after shot with amazing speed, Claire was taking out any Air Soldier, Soldier, or Shadow that came near her. In front of her is a group consisting of Shadows and Soldiers running towards her.
"Arcus activate!" Claire started to glow as she was ready to use an Art. "Frost Edge!" Blades of ice surrounded the Heartless as it slashed each dark fiend, defeating them. Claire looked over to Sora to see if he needed any backup. To her surprise, he didn't. His swordsmanship was incredible, she's never seen anything like it before. Not only that, but his flexibility is also amazing, jumping from one foe to the next, spinning around in mid-air. Just more questions kept filling her head as she watched Sora.
Claire wasn't the only one amazed by Sora. Alfin was in awe as well. To her Sora looked majestic. She has seen Mueller's swordsmanship from time to time, and Kurt whenever he visits. But it never looked anything like this. Alfin gasped as Sora just let loose a fireball at a Heartless. Earlier Sora managed to summon a rain of thunderbolts. For a simple Art, it looked powerful. It also looked like he didn't even need time to cast it. Even a simple Art needs time before being able to use it. It's like he's a magic swordsman.
"It's over!" Sora, once again, used Ragnarok finishing off the remaining Heartless. "Whew, that's all of them!" Sora turned around to see Claire and Alfin staring at Sora in awe. "Uh, you guys okay?" Sora scratched his head. "I didn't do anything too unusual did I?"
Background music ends
"Y-Y-YOU WERE AMAZING!" Alfin was the first to recover as she ran over to Sora. "I've never seen anyone fight like that!"
"Yes, I have to agree that was most impressive." said Claire. This boy could give some of her men a run for their money with the way he fights. Hell, he doesn't even look winded. "Not many boys at your age would show that level of skill." Sora could only rub the back of his head in embarrassment at such praise.
"Gee, thanks. I'm Sora, by the way." smiled Sora.
"Just Sora?" questioned Alfin with a raised eyebrow. Sora looked confused. Was there something weird about his name?
"Um, yeah, just Sora "
"Sora, no last name?" thought Claire. That's strange and if she's honest a little suspicious as well.
"Let's see, you're Claire," Sora pointed at Claire, and then looked at Alfin. "And you are?" Claire and Alfin raised an eyebrow at Sora. Alfin's little disguise after all is just her wearing glasses. Up close you could tell she is definitely Erebonia's own princess. Claire is wondering if Sora is playing innocent, just for Alfin's sake. But the look on Sora's face is telling her otherwise.
"Do you recognize me now?" Claire's eyes widened as Alfin took off her glasses. Sora took a good second staring at Alfin's light blue eyes before putting his hands behind his head.
"Um, sorry, I don't. Should I?" replied the keyblade wielder. "Is she someone important?"
"He really doesn't know who I am?" This is something strange. Being the Princess of Erebonia. No doubt there isn't one person who doesn't know her. People would be able to recognize her in one glance if she just walked in the streets. Not being recognized, it was strange to be honest. But not a bad strange.
"THERE YOU ARE!" Sora and Alfin jumped at the sudden shout as both RMP and HMP came running in. Sora started to sweat a bit as they came closer.
"I forgot about them, again." muttered Sora. Alfin couldn't help but tilt her head in confusion. A RMP member grabbed Sora roughly.
"Okay, boy, time is over!"
"You got a lot to answer for!"
"Think you could escape us!"
"ENOUGH!" shouted Alfin, shocking everyone. Both military forces finally noticed Claire and Alfin. Immediately RMP saluted to their Captain, while HMP kneeled to their princess.
"Your Highness!"
"Captain Claire! We didn't see you!"
"Wait, "Your Highness"?" replied Sora, but was ignored.
"What is the meaning of this!" question Claire as he gave her men and HMP an icy stare.
"S-s-sorry ma'am. It's just that this boy came out of nowhere and interfered with official business."
"N-not only that, he knows something about these creatures! He even named them!"
"He called them Heartless."
"Heartless?" thought Claire. "That's what they're called?" Claire took a glance at Sora. "Right before we started to fight. He did seem to know something, like how he knew they would target him mostly over Her Highness and I."
"Regardless, I will not allow such rudeness towards him." Alfin shook her head. "Thanks to him aiding Captain Claire, I was protected without a scratch on me."
"That is true. His help was very welcome." agreed Claire. Claire turned to Sora. "Though I have to ask, is it true you know about those monsters?"
"I do." nodded Sora. No reason to lie especially at this point. If anything it may harm him than help him.
"I see." Claire turned her attention to her men. "Fall back, and assist any civilian that needs help. I'll personally take care of this."
"Ma'am!" RMP saluted one more time and ran out of Crystal Garden.
"You think we're just going to let you take him? We don't take orders from you!" said a HMP officer.
"Yeah, you're not our captain! Your lap dogs may listen, but we're not buying it!" said another officer as they stood up. "The boy is coming with us!"
"I will not repeat myself," said Alfin. "I won't allow such rudeness towards Sora. In fact-," Alfin turned to Claire, "Captain Claire I leave Sora in your care."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Claire bowed to Alfin.
"B-b-but Your Highness-,"
"My decision is final!" The tone in Alfin's voice caused the HMP body to shiver. There was a fierce fire in her eyes as she stared down the HMP. Honestly the HMP couldn't help but be impressed by their small princess determination. If Prince Cedric, for some reason, turns down the crown, Princess Alfin will indeed make a fine ruler. "I trust in Captain Claire's judgment. Do you trust mine?"
"Of course, Your Highness!" The HMP immediately kneeled back down to Alfin.
"Now, go assist the RMP. I'm pretty sure a lot of citizens need your help." said Alfin.
"Yes, ma'am!" The HMP quickly left to go assist the citizens that were attacked. Alfin let out a tired sigh. That was the first time she had used her authority as a princess. It was kind of stressful to be honest.
"Woah." Sora looked at Alfin in awe. Now he's really curious to know who she is. A princess perhaps?
"That should get them off your back." giggled Alfin.
"Yeah, thanks to you." grinned Sora.
"I have to say, Your Highness, I was impressed." said Captain Claire. "I think Erebonia has a fine ruler in the making."
"I-I wouldn't go that far." Alfin blushed in embarrassment. Sora crossed his arms in confusion.
"A ruler?" So are you a princess?" asked Sora.
"Oh, how rude of me. I never introduced myself." Alfin grabbed the end of her skirt, and gave a small bow. "I am Alfin Reise Arnor, daughter of Emperor Eugent Reise Arnor III, and Empress Priscilla Reise Arnor, Princess of Erebonia." Alfin then smiled at Sora. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sora."
Heimdallr- Central Station- Railway Military Police Main HQ
Background Music: Iron Command (Legend of Heroes Cold Steel 1)
After the battle at Mater Park Sora had tagged along with Claire and Alfin. He promised to share what he knows about the Heartless with Claire. After all it's the least he could do after Claire and Alfin helped him out. Claire had dropped Alfin off at the Valflame Castle, and then with Claire heading here back at Central Station.
"She really is a princess." muttered Sora. The young keyblade wielder remembers Nate mentioning the Emperor of Erebonia had children, two of them in fact. He didn't think he would meet a princess of an entire nation. Then again he has a knack for meeting princesses. He met plenty during his journey to save the worlds. "She seemed nice too. I hope I can see her again." The door opened with Claire walking in, and sitting across from Sora.
"Hi, Claire!"
"Hello, Sora. Sorry for the wait." said Claire.
"It's no problem."
"Now if we can get started. You are quite the enigma, Sora." Claire gave the young keyblade wielder a questionable stare. "We had searched our files and we could never find your name. Not even where you lived, or even any relative. Are you from Liberl, or Crossbell?"
"No, my home is Destiny Island." answered Sora, deciding to go with the story he made up for Nate.
"Destiny Island? Where is that?"
"It's further away from Erebonia, along with Liberl, and Crossbell."
"Wait, are you telling me you're not even from Zemuria?" question Claire with a raised eyebrow.
"Uh, yeah. The islands are pretty isolated." Sora scratched his cheek. Again not a lie since his world is just a bunch of islands surrounded by water. Sora is not even sure if there are other islands besides his own. "I've never been Liberl, or Crossbell. Erebonia is my first visit."
"And why are you away from your Island? Are you on a journey of some kind?"
"Yep. It's been, probably, a year since I left." Sora left out the part where had returned home for a short while. But he has been on three journeys in a span of a year. "And somehow it feels longer than that."
"A year?" thought Claire in shock. How could a child be by themselves for so long? "I wonder-," Here it goes, the real subject for this conversation. "Is it because of those monsters? You called them Heartless, I believe."
"Yes. They're the reason why I started my journey." Claire notices Sora's demeanor change to something serious. Which she found shocking. She found Sora to be more happy go lucky in the short time she has known him. Similar to someone she knows. "Makes me wonder what kind of threat these Heartless are?"
"I believe you wanted to know more about Heartless? asked Sora. "I'm happy to share what I know. They're dangerous, and whoever fights them needs to be prepared."
"Well at least he's cooperative." thought Claire. "I'm glad we're on the same page on that front." Claire stood up, confusing Sora, started to walk towards the exit. "Come with me."
"Where are we going?" asked Sora as he followed Claire.
"Before we start talking about those Heartless. There is someone who wants to meet you and hear this information." answered Claire as they exited RMP HQ.
"Who?"
As the two left Central Station, Claire turned to Sora with a smile.
"The Imperial Family would like an audience with you, Sora."
Author's Note: Chapter done! A lot has happened in this first part of Sora's journey. Heartless are already here, and it sounds like they got here before Sora, Sora meeting Claire and Alfin, and at the end he's going to meet Alfin's family. Not bad start for Sora. While making this chapter, I first wanted Sora to meet the Imperial Family. So I had the Heartless attack when Claire and Alfin were together. Actually now that I think it about, it's because of the Heartless Sora is able to meet the other royalties from other worlds so easily, especially when you have an world ending threat right at your doorstep, and most them don't even know what they are. I paired Claire and Alfin together mainly because I believed in the Cold Steel games Claire has escorted Alfin before. I think we see it twice. Once in Cold Steel 1 and another time in Cold Steel 2, I could be remembering wrong, but I imagine Claire has escorted Alfin in the past before the Cold Steel games start. I hope I capture Claire and Alfin character well. So far I'm confident with Sora, but the Legend of Heroes character might be a bit challenging to me, but I'll do my best!
Speaking of Sora, I think now is best talk about where Sora's strength is. As you can see he has lost most of his strength but not all of it. As you can see he at least has Fire, and Thunder to start with. He also has Blizzard he just didn't use it. Honestly if I were to scale Kingdom Hearts characters to Legend of Heroes, I would say Kingdom Hearts characters are stronger, and I might be a bit bias towards Kingdom Hearts, if I'm honest. What do you guys think? Let me know. With that being said, Sora won't mop the floor with every foe he'll come across with, and any allies he'll make won't be like depending on Sora, and doing nothing. If anything some characters from Legend of Heroes might be a bit stronger than they were in the games just due to the fact the Heartless are here.
Also regarding Sora, expect him to pull out abilities and spells from KH 1, COM, KH 2, DDD, and KH 3. Other KH crossover stories I have read are doing the same, and I want to do the same. Regarding Formchanges, and different Keychains those will be explain further in the story. I have other surprises for Kingdom Hearts side of things in this crossover, so look forward to them!
With Nate, he won't be important to the story or anything. If anything he would be a NPC if he was in the games. I just needed someone to lead, and explain Heimdallr to Sora.
Also another thing, regarding the Railway Military Police, and Heimdallr Military Police, I know for a fact Osborne is in control of RMP, and the Intelligence Division, but is he in control of the HMP? And even if he is, they still wouldn't listen to Claire, right? I mean they're in different divisions that would work together needed. If someone could let me know so I can go back and edit that part of the chapter if needed. Overall Alfin technically kind of outranks both being the princess of Erebonia. I imagine they would listen to her despite her young age.
And last how do you guys like the added background music I added to certain parts of the chapter. Another Kingdom Hearts crossover name Kingdom Hearts: Grand Order by KingSora3, does the same, and I wanted to do it too. I had fun picking the music for certain scenes. Of course they're just suggestions, and you guys don't have to play them when reading.
That's it for this author's note. Sorry it was so long, I just had a lot to say. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and I will see you guys next time!