Disclaimer: not mine
I made a change to the end of last chapter; I accidentally wrote it to canon events instead of how I'd changed something.
Replaying KH2 when I need a sanity break from uni, do the puzzle pieces in Pride Lands drive anyone else insane? The ones really high up. Everyone says you dash and jump but that adds maybe a millimetre of height to a jump and he misses by a mile. I've tried about 20 times for each piece every playthrough and can never get them. Then again, same with some of the other high up ones like at Disney Castle where it's at the bottom of the entry stairs to the castle. I figure you have to completely level up the different forms for Sora but they level up so slowly.
Chapter 12
Sora leant against Riku's leg, comfortable on the floor, his legs stretched out as he read. Kairi's head was in his lap as she read her own book while Riku….Sora glanced up and back, he was looking over some papers. It would be very easy to just settle into life in the mansion and forget about the Organisation, but they couldn't. Kairi and Riku would need to be seen out among the Worlds, leaving him and the King to work behind the scenes. It was strange, he had no emotions so why was he reluctant for them to leave? Because every time they were separated someone ended up in deadly danger? He wanted his Heart back, to be a real person again, the boy who loved them both so much.
He felt fingers running through his hair and pressed back into them, it was nice. He slowly drifted into a doze, vaguely aware of Riku's touch, the weight of Kairi's head on his legs.
"Is he asleep?" Riku's voice reached him distantly.
"Look like," Kairi murmured. "Should we move him?"
"Let him sleep, he's been worried."
"I know."
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
He slowly got to his feet, staring at his reflection in the glass, looking around in confusion even as he recognised the room…lab. How? He remembered…the feel of the Keyblade as Roxas attacked him, defending the other boy…had he remembered his past? Did it matter? But…how was he alive? He glanced down to find his Organisation coat was gone, in its place a white lab coat. What was going on? He felt a shier of fear and then froze, he felt…his heart was pounding in his chest and everything felt so different. Was he…was he human? Zexion had died at Roxas' hand...did that mean he was Ienzo again? If he was alive, then the others…but he was alone.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Toshi observed them all, wary of a trap, but it seemed the only one who didn't like him was the strange man, DiZ. Then again, he didn't seem to like any of them except Kairi, the King, and his men, and maybe Riku. Because they were all Nobodies and he was a Replica? It had been confusing when he realised why the others were still there because they didn't trust DiZ to be left alone with him and Naminé.
He honestly wasn't sure how that made him feel and they were probably doing it more for her sake than his, right? He could kind of get Sora, he didn't feel anything so would see no reason not to include him in those not to be left alone with the man and Toshi had never fought him as an enemy either. But how could Riku accept his existence and try to protect him? it didn't make any sense. He'd tried to kill him! he should understand Riku better than anyone, he had his memories, altered but still they came from him. So why didn't he?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Donald watched Kairi and Sora together. He'd seen the boy grow as a Keyblade wielder but this…he'd never seen Sora fight the way his Nobody did. It was still hard to see the emotionless blond and equate him with the Sora they had known, had watched kill himself. He hated himself for not being quicker, for not realising what Sora was planning when he picked the Keyblade up. He knew Goofy felt guilt over that too, that they both blamed themselves. Knowing that Sora was still alive in a fashion, though very different, had helped a little but to know he'd go through life unable to feel emotion…there had to be some way to help him.
Though, something had shifted since the three had gone home, Sora seemed…more relaxed maybe? More at peace if that was possible. Had they broken World Order? Would seeing his family even matter to Sora anymore? Did…any of them matter to him? No, they had to, he had run from the Organisation after all. Though…he'd only spoken of Kiri and Riku that day, not him and Goofy. Then again…could he blame him? they had deserted Sora for Riku when he temporarily took the Keyblade and he knew Sora had worked out Donald at least had no real interest in helping him find his friends, only the King, at first. So he couldn't really blame Sora for wanting to find his friends over them, he'd known them for so much longer after all. They had bonded in combat, in fighting to save the Worlds, and with the emotions stripped from those memories…well.
Kairi went down and Sora's Keyblade froze at her throat, almost touching the skin. Donald couldn't help the momentary flash of fear that Sora wouldn't stop and immediately felt guilty for that even as Sora dismissed his weapon and offered her a hand up, magic moving between them to heal any injuries she might have.
"Great work Kairi!" Goofy cheered, making her blush, and Sora nodded.
"He's right, you're getting better every fight," Sora told her, and Donald could almost hear something in his voice…a hint of pride? But wasn't that an emotion?
Then again, both Riku and Kairi had claimed to have caught hints of faint emotion since being reunited with Sora. Was it possible…could his Heart return to him somehow? If they were right, then maybe one day, the Sora they knew would be back.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"Mickey?" Riku looked to him in confusion, holding out the note.
The King took it and read it. "It seems Master Yen Sid wants to meet the three of you before we move out."
"Do you think it's safe?" he asked, worried but not for himself. Mickey's visit hadn't been entirely encouraging, though he'd tried to hide his concern. It'd been nice to get more information on Nobodies from the Master but…it had been after that, that the King had insisted they have their own ship.
Mickey frowned but then nodded. "I think he just wants to meet you all, acting against Sora wouldn't be very good with you two there as well. And so long as Sora fights for the Light, Master Yen Sid shouldn't see any reason to, well…"
"Deal with him?" Riku finished for him, and Mickey shrugged slightly.
Riku sighed, running a hand through his hair, and absently realising he should cut it, it was getting a bit too long. He wasn't sure he wanted to meet this Master, Mickey's old teacher or not. If he could just reach out and contact people then why hadn't he offered Sora any help during his journey?
"We should go."
Riku turned to see Sora walking over, as calm as ever. He'd gotten used to seeing that, but he still longed to see the cheeky grin and sparkling eyes. He reached out and Sora took his hand, letting Riku pull him close. It was still weird to not have to look down at Sora, he kind of missed being the tallest of their trio. Sora still tucked against his side as if they were made to be together though.
"Wy?" he asked. "What if he's like DiZ?"
"What does it matter? Will it change how you feel about me?"
"Never!" Riku denied.
"Then what can he do?" Sora asked.
Riku sighed and turned to face him fully, leaning in for a soft kiss. "He could…try to kill you."
"I doubt he'd do that with you and Kairi there considering he needs you to work with him."
"Sora's right Riku," Mickey agreed, and Riku sighed.
"Fine," he agreed. "But if this goes badly…"
"You can say I told you so," Sora agreed with a smirk.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Kairi lay next to Sora in what had become their bed. It felt normal now, to share a bed with her boys. In the morning, they were going to see Master Yen Sid. She understood Riku's fear for Sora, but she could also see Mickey and Sora's point too. They wouldn't let this Master hurt Sora. She rolled onto her side, watching Sora sleep, he looked so peaceful; innocent, and young, like he had before the Islands fell. Riku too was peaceful in sleep and she wished he could be when awake, that he could let go of the guilt he carried over everything but especially Sora's fate. After all, if not for his actions then the Islands would have been fine and her Heart never would have hidden within Sora's. Without that, he'd never have stabbed himself with a Keyblade, he'd still be whole.
They'd be leaving soon; they couldn't let the Organisation go unchallenged much longer but she dreaded it because Sora couldn't go with them. They thought he was dead and it was safer for them to continue to believe that. At least he wouldn't be alone with Mickey, Naminé, and Toshi but…it wouldn't be the same. Keeping in contact would be difficult and possibly dangerous too. She hated it, that they were being forced apart again but Sora was safer with everyone outside those they trusted believing he was truly dead.
She shifted closer to him, resting her head on his chest, letting his steady heartbeat sooth her to sleep.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
He was aware of the attack on his home but let it be, knowing the three children were on their way and it would be a good way to get a feel for their skills himself. The imbecile at his door was no threat at all, to him. He watched as the three arrived and settled in to see what they would do.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Riku blinked as he spotted the figure peering in the tower door. "Pete?"
"You know him?" Kairi asked.
"He worked for Maleficent; we met once. He's…not exactly the brightest but he's physically strong," Riku warned as they moved closer. "Pete, what are you doing?" he called out. He didn't think Pete was a threat, especially with the three of them there but they didn't know why he was there either.
"I sent some of my lackeys inside to see if the master of this here tower's as big and tough as they say. Word is, he's a real powerful sorcerer. Which would make him the perfect bodyguard for me. See, it don't matter how tough he is, once he's a Heartless, he'll do as I say!"
"A Heartless?" Sora asked, sounding unimpressed. Did Pete really think he could take on the person who'd trained the King?
"That's right. They're those things that come outta the Darkness in folks' Hearts. Why, with all those Heartless at her side, my dear friend Maleficent is gonna conquer everything! And since I got me a debt to pay, I'm goin' 'round to a bunch of different worlds and buildin' an army of Heartless, special for her. Why am I talkin' to you pipsqueaks anyway? Go on, scram! I'm behind schedule as it is," Pete answered without turning to see who he was talking too.
"You should probably find a new employer," Kairi told him.
"Says who?" Pete demanded, turning around and finally seeing them. "Wha...AAAH! It's you!" He pointed at Riku. "What'cha doing here?"
"Stopping you apparently," Riku answered.
"What? Why? Maleficent will like this!"
"Maleficent...huh," Sora snorted as Kairi giggled.
"What are you laughing at!? Why, Maleficent's power is so great,"
"She's toast," Sora cut Pete off.
"Huh?"
"Sorry, but Maleficent can't help you now," Kairi told him.
"Whaddaya mean!?" Pete demanded, looking between them. "Hey…you're that girl!" he looked to Riku. "You…you traitor!"
Riku glared at him. "Like Maleficent wasn't using me," he growled, summoning Soul Eater even as Sora and Kairi called their Keyblades; Pete's eyes going wide at the sight.
"Heartless squad! Round up!" He yelled, shadows and soilders appearing in response. "You just wait! Nobody, and I do mean nobody, messes with the mighty Pete!"
"Let's go!" Riku launched himself into the fight, Sora and Kairi right behind him.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
He watched the three make their way through his tower, fighting the Heartless as they did. He paid especially close attention to the Nobody, intrigued by the way he defended the other two, even taking hits for them. It seemed to go against everything he had learned of the creatures, even the ones who retained human form. Then again, its appearance…was it mere coincidence? Or was there a reason to the change in his looks? Yen Sid had glimpsed young Sora in the stars before his death and while he still retained some of those features, others belonged to another lost young wielder.
They fought well together and the other two were quite comfortable chiding their companion for being reckless in taking those hits on their behalf. They touched the Nobody so easily, gently, and he returned those gestures. If he did not know it's true nature he would be fooled into thinking it had a Heart. Had it fooled them? He had to know because they could not afford to lose those two to some twisted plan of the Organisation.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Sora cautiously opened the door only to find they had made it into an office and seated at the desk was a man who fit the description of wizened wizard perfectly.
"So, you were Sora," the Wizard stated sternly, and he could feel the other two stiffen beside him.
"He is Sora," Riku snapped back, voice cold, and Sora touched his hand. He didn't want Riku to fight with the powerful Wizard, he doubted it was a fight the three of them together could win.
"Riku and Kairi," he glanced at both of them in turn. "You have a perilous journey ahead of you. You must be well prepared."
"You mean dealing with the Organisation?" Kairi asked.
"Yes. Everything in your journey is connected. Whether you will find your way home to the islands... Whether you will return alone or together... And, whether or not the islands will still be there. And the key that connects them all is you, Kairi."
"I'm...the key?" Kairi asked in confusion.
Chosen wielder of the Keyblade and Princess of Heart! You are the key that will open the
door to light," Master Yen Sid proclaimed, and Sora shifted slightly in front of her, not liking something about his tone.
Yen Sid waved a hand over the table and a thick book appeared, another gesture had it floating in the air, spinning towards them. "This book contains valuable knowledge you will need for your journey. Study it carefully. Once you have finished, we will speak of the enemies you will surely confront." With that he leant back in his chair, leaving them to read the book which seemed to be written in riddles.
"How come the Heartless are still running around?" Kairi asked when they were done.
"Yours and Sora's past endeavours did prevent an immense effusion of Heartless from the great Darkness; make no mistake about that. However, the Heartless are Darkness made real…and Darkness lingers yet in every Heart. The Heartless are fewer. But while Darkness exists in a single Heart, it will be difficult to eliminate them."
"So the only way for them to be gone, would be for every Heart to only hold Light?" Riku asked warily, getting a nod in response.
"Now it is time to speak of the enemies that you will encounter." Yen Sid waved a hand and an image of Sora as he used to look appeared near the wall before changing into a shadow Heartless and Sora wondered if that was the form his Heartless had taken or if it was just being used since it was the most common type.
"If one yields to the Darkness in their Heart, they will become a Heartless, but you know this. The Heartless are always lurking and ever seeking to capture new hearts. Never let your guard down! Now then..." Yen Sid waved his hand again and an image of a Dusk Nobody appeared next to the Shadow. "At times, if someone with a strong heart and will, be they evil or good, becomes a Heartless, the empty shell they leave behind begins to act with a will of its own."
The Shadow image disappeared and instead a black coated figure with the hood up appeared next to the Dusk. Sora felt Riku and Kairi each take one of his hands. It was obvious what the Wizard was doing in using him as the example.
"An empty vessel whose Heart has been stolen away... A spirit that goes on even as its body fades from existence…for you see, Nobodies do not truly exist at all. Nobodies may seem to have feelings, but this is a ruse, they only pretend to have Hearts. You must not be deceived!"
"Nobodies... They don't exist..." Kairi whispered and then she squeezed his hand. "You're wrong!" she snapped at Yen Sid. "Sora's real, Heart or no Heart. He can still think, he has his memories."
"Kairi," he turned to her, seeing the tears in her eyes.
"No Sora, I'm sick of this! They can't treat you like this."
He turned his back on the wizard, gently cupping her face in his hands, feeling the soft warmth of her skin. "Shh," he whispered, and then pressed his lips to hers briefly. "It's okay Kairi, it doesn't bother me. I'm here with you and Riku, you accept me, that's all I could ever need," he promised even as Riku pressed closer.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Yen Sid watched their interactions; how protective the two teens were of the Nobody that had once been their friend. Was it possible that Sora's memories were enough that it would truly turn on its own kind for them? Could it stand with them against the Organisation or would it give in. Then again…somehow it could still use the Keyblade…he would need to watch them all as closely as possible as they travelled.
"Now then...the being you see before you is known as a Dusk," he told them, but he could tell they knew that already, likely due to Sora's Nobody. "They are the most common form of Nobody. But there are many others, some with frightening and unique powers. Be vigilant! On your journey, you will meet an alarming number of Dusks. They will all attempt to do you harm," he warned, and yes, they already knew of that danger. Good.
"The main danger however comes from the highest level of Nobodies."
"The Organisation," the young Nobody stated, and Yen Sid nodded.
"While Heartless act on instinct, even the weakest Nobodies function in a higher manner, able to think and plan. And it seems they are working towards a goal. What that goal is, we do not know. The King sensed the danger and journeyed forth to fight it. He found the dark realm's Keyblade, and with it, and your help Riku and Kairi, closed the door. Do you know the Organisations goal?" he asked the Nobody.
"I know what Xemnas told us but I doubt it's the whole truth," he answered calmly, meeting his eyes. He'd call it brave to do so if it were capable of feeling such a thing.
"And that is?" he asked, curious to what they had been told. Xemnas, it was good to have a name for the leader at least.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"To bring together Kingdom Hearts in order to gain Hearts of our own. It was why he was so pleased when he found me, especially once I regained the Keyblade. The others can destroy Heartless but not release the Hearts. It was why the only way out was to fake my destruction with the help of another member." He wasn't going to give Axel's name, who knew what the man might do if he knew.
"Would it work?" Riku asked.
"Hmm…I agree that it is unlikely the true purpose behind the Organisation." The wizard stroked his beard, obviously considering things. "No good can come of their actions," he shook his head. "They must be stopped." Yen Sid studied him, and Sora met his gaze calmly.
He wasn't afraid of the Wizard; would he be if he was real? Maybe. He was very stern after all. He agreed that they had to be stopped but that didn't mean they had to be destroyed. Axel was his friend and had helped them, he was probably as worried as a Nobody could be since it had been a while since he'd been in contact.
The Wizard studied the three of them for a bit before indicating the far door. "Through there, you'll find three good fairies. If you ask, they'll create for you appropriate garments."
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Naminé stared at the King in surprise, feeling Toshi tense beside her. Was he serious?
"You want us…to go with Sora?" Toshi asked in disbelief but the King nodded.
"Travelling alone is risky and staying here might be just as dangerous. Sora is meant to be dead, which means he can't go with Riku and Kairi. I'm sending Donald and Goofy with them since the Organisation will expect them to be with her. Ya don't have to fight, but there's safety in numbers."
She couldn't fight, she had no weapon and her powers weren't for that. Toshi could, he still had his version of Soul Eater. To travel the Worlds…the idea was exciting and terrifying at the same time. Would Sora even want to travel with them? He probably wouldn't care either way, but maybe he would. She'd seen it, the changes in him since they'd met at Castle Oblivion, he'd been so empty then, blank. But now…when he was with Riku and Kairi at least, there were hints, tiny sparks she could almost feel. Somehow it was like he was ever so slowly gaining the ability to feel at least the shadow of emotion, though she didn't think he'd even realised it himself yet. Was separating him from them smart? What if it stopped or even went backwards? Were they ready for the Organisation to learn he was alive though?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"Well, look who's here, dears! Kairi, Riku, and…oh?" a fairy in red looked at Sora curiously but also a little wary.
"I'm Sora," he answered.
Kairi frowned slightly, why had they known them but not Sora? She was kind of getting sick of that. Then again, maybe they didn't know what he looked like now?
"Ooh, if you're looking for clothes, you've come to the right place!" the one in blue announced.
"I'll do the designing," the green clothed fairy smiled at them.
"You first dear," the red one motioned Kairi forward.
All she could do was stand there as her clothing changed and then they began arguing over the colour! They finally agreed and Kairi turned to take in her outfit in the mirror. She was in a short dress, thankfully with shorts under it. It was a dark purple with white trim to match the white jacket with purple trim, her shoes matching the clothing. It was actually very nice.
"Ooh, it's lovely," the green fairy smiled at her.
"Now, those aren't ordinary garments."
"They have very special powers." She waved her wand and a glowing orb hovered in front of Kairi. "Take the orb, dear."
She glanced at the boys who looked as clueless as she felt so she cautiously took the orb.
"And watch what happens."
Kairi gasped as she was struck with immense power. A light flashed and her clothes were
suddenly red. She looked down in shock at the dark pink clothes.
"Your garments also have other powers, but you will have to discover what they are as you continue on your journey."
"Thank you very much," she felt the power fade, the clothes going back to purple.
Riku was up next, standing almost frozen as their magic moved around him, clothing shifting a few times before settling. His pants and jacket were a dark blue, more form fitting than the baggy ones he used to wear. His shirt was white with yellow trim to match the trim on his pants and he had boots too. He didn't get an orb and extra powers either.
Sora took the longest for the magic to settle and seemed to make the fairy's nervous as his pants and jacket became black as were his boots. His shirt was a darker red than his old outfit from when they left the Islands. The trim on his pants and jacket were a matching shade of red. The colour scheme was a lot darker than he used to wear, the clothing much more adult looking. She though they both looked very handsome in their new clothes.
But why was she the only one who received something extra? Because she was a girl…or because they were both touched by Darkness? They said their thanks and then left to find Master Yen Sid waiting by the window, motioning for them. A gummi ship rose into view…a very familiar one to her and Sora.
"But we already have a ship," she murmured.
"One ship for at least two or three groups," Riku pointed out with a grimace, not happy that they were going to have to split up either.
"I assume Mickey has warned you of the routes you used before having closed?"
"When he gave us a ship, yes," Kairi nodded.
"The worlds have prepared new pathways along which you may travel. These pathways may be utilized by unlocking special gates. How these gates are opened, I'm afraid I do not know... However, the Keyblade will serve as your guide. When a beam of light radiates from the Keyblade, return to the Gummi Ship. Though the worlds may seem far apart and out of reach, they nonetheless remain connected by invisible ties. As do our Hearts."
He paused to look at them all. "But be warned. As you proceed... The Heartless and the Nobodies will be using their own paths: Corridors of darkness, to travel from world to world," at that he focused on Sora, probably assuming he could use them too, which he could. "They may be attempting to link these dark pathways to the gates between the worlds. Now then, that is all the information I can give to you. Go forth, Kairi, Riku, and Sora. Everyone is waiting." There was only a slight hesitation on Sora's name but it was there.
They were very glad to get the ship and head back to the mansion.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
He watched them go, hoping that allowing the Nobody to continue to exist was the right thing to do. Only the fact it could wield the Keyblade had stayed his hand, but should it prove untrustworthy, he would ensure it was destroyed. He shook his head and then vanished, there was much to do.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Axel left the Corridor and slipped through the town, out into the woods. The gates were locked but he simply climbed them, dropping easily down the other side. He hadn't risked coming before but it had been too long since he'd seen Sora and he was worried. Well, he would be worried if he could feel anything. The kid could find trouble anywhere and…what if Kairi hadn't accepted him when she woke up?
It was time to leave the Organisation and maybe they'd let him hang around, it'd be safer than heading out on his own and he could be useful. He'd gotten his hands on every bit of data he could before leaving, the more they knew about Xemnas' plan the safer they'd be, right?
He pushed open the mansion door and looked around, it looked deserted but he knew it wasn't. He could feel other Nobodies…below. Hu, he hadn't known the place had a basement when he suggested they hide out in the town. Finding the entrance wasn't easy but then he froze, hands raised in surrender as a small figure stopped him, Keyblade in hand.
"Ah…hi. You must be King Mickey," he guessed since Sora had mentioned he'd shown up. "I'm Axel…Sora's friend?" he hoped Sora had mentioned him.
"Axel," the familiar voice called, and he turned to see the three teens approaching, he must have arrived just before they did. "It's alright Mickey, he helped me," Sora told the King who lowered his Keyblade. "Are you alright?"
"Well, I've nearly died about a dozen times since reporting back so I figured it was time to get out. I come bearing gifts thought," he smirked.
TBC….
So it was Ienzo at the end of last chap, which is why I had to go back and change it since there was nothing done to his throat, Sora got him with the Keyblade. I figure the odds that the Heartless of all those who died at Castle Oblivion and later dying at the same time so they all came back at the same time highly unlikely. So Ienzo is the first one back and earlier too.
And Kairi got the Drive Forms though they'll be a bit different to Sora's canon ones since she doesn't duel wield.