Both Blizzard and Yen-Sid remained confined to the guest room of the tower, their bodies healing from their injuries, their minds slowly mending from the toll of battle. Sleep was their sanctuary, and under the watchful eyes of Sergeant Jameson, their physical strength began to slowly return, his knowledge of medicine and treatment providing some much needed relief.
With his heightened awareness of the flow of magic and energies, Yen-Sid was the first to fully recover, his body responding surprisingly quickly to the restoration, and by the fifth day, he was already up and moving about, though his movements were slower than normal and often punctuated by moments of exhaustion, the toll of the Dream World still fresh in his memories.
He spent most of his time in his workshop, his mind struggling to make sense of the events that had transpired, lost in the study of the old, leather-bound books, trying desperately to grasp an understanding of that woman, the power she had wielded, and what he had felt. His very being had been assaulted, and he was now struggling to reclaim his own self, his own mind, after it had been so completely shattered.
And Chirithy? Well, the Dream Eater was absent, its small form had vanished, its light simply gone from their view the moment they left that realm. It was off to somewhere, alone, its presence a silent absence as it needed to be away, away from their sight, from any prying eyes, from all other distractions that would be trying to steal its focus.
It was gone to reflect upon everything that had just happened, to seek meaning in the death of the King, the death of the Knight, and the terrible, unforgivable destruction of its own specie. It was the last pure-blooded Dream Eater, and the weight of that fact had finally settled upon its small shoulders.
It was the seventh day, and Blizzard was finally awake, sitting up on his bed, his gaze fixed on the window, his form still weak, his muscles still aching. William, lay next to him, in an unending coma, completely unaware of the events that had occurred.
He had slept a lot, yet, each time that he had tried to find peace, he would be thrust back into those memories of their battle, with that woman and her warped perception of reality. That terrible rage, and the lingering despair in her eyes. Even as she was trying to destroy everything that he had ever come to believe.
He could not comprehend how one person could have been so incredibly cruel, yet so utterly broken, her words, almost pleading, had not been a lie. She had truly believed that they were evil, and yet, that was simply not the truth, nor, had it ever been. They had been trying to help, even if those efforts had failed to reach her fractured mind. She had simply chosen a path of destruction, to remake a world that had caused her so much pain, and in the process, she had sought to take them all with her. And even after all of this time, he could almost feel pity for her.
And then, she had said that name. Blitz. Where had she heard that from? Was that name even real? Or simply another twisted illusion of her broken mind?
The door opened, and Yen-Sid entered the room. The blue hat that he had been so fond of was now back in place, alongside his equally vibrant blue attire, and with a familiar, if almost unnerving calmness, as he walked towards Blizzard's bed, carrying with him a small tray, and a small, barely contained nervous energy.
Yen-Sid: How are you feeling, now? Jameson said that you should be back to your normal self soon. Or whatever you consider to be your normal.
Yen-Sid placed the tray on the bedside table, offering him a small croissant and a glass of orange juice.
Yen-Sid: Here. You need to get something in you. That much magic leaves a terrible aftertaste. Speaking from experience, of course.
Blizzard nodded, taking a small bite of the croissant and a sip of the orange juice, the taste almost too sweet as his body slowly started to assimilate the much needed nutrients. His hand brushed over the shoulder pad that was now attached to his left shoulder, a subtle, yet almost persistent sensation of what they had gone through, and what they had now become.
While it was possible to take it off, yet, as Yen-Sid had suggested two days prior, it would be rather wise to keep it on, so that they could understand the lingering effects, and learn to master this ability, whatever it might be.
Blizzard: How are you? You... you seemed...
Yen-Sid: Do not worry yourself over my pathetic displays, please. They were, as always, theatrical. I assure you, I am fine. As you can see I am still alive.
His tone was measured, his face calm as he sat down on the edge of the bed, his gaze now focused on the distant window, as though he was trying to make sense of something in the world that had been obscured to him before. He seemed to want to talk, to finally confront what had truly happened in that last, horrific battle, and how, for once, all the power in the world had not been enough. They were both meant to die there, and yet... and yet, somehow, against all the odds, they had managed to survive.
Yen-Sid: I... I should be dead, you know? We both should. That woman, that... that thing, she intended for us to fall. And we both should have. If I hadn't... I still can't understand what happened. Or how, somehow... I'm still here.
His voice was low, almost a whisper, as he paused and swallowed hard, as he struggled to find the correct words, his tone now a mixture of disbelief and a strange sense of awe that he had never, ever, anticipated.
Yen-Sid: You... You pulled me back from nothingness. After... after everything I had done. After she had revealed... she was right, about the name, the past. After revealing that I am nothing more than a Jareth Sid, the brother of Jareth Vex, and what did you do? You... You brought me back. Why? It would had been understandable, if my heart had simply shattered from those harsh truths. You should had been angry! You should had been furious! But instead, you were here, saving me again! Did you truly believed that saving my life would had been the best of choices for your sake? Did you really seek to endure more of this nonsense just for my sake, a man that had lied, not just about everything, but also about my very own identity? You truly do make it difficult, Blizzard, to not see your value as a partner, and yet, we both know that this is as close as we will ever be to the truth.
He finally turned towards Blizzard, his eyes looking strangely soft, his tone now tinged with a lingering sadness, that even he could no longer ignore.
Yen-Sid: You should hate me, I know it. I know that I don't deserve any of this. And yet, you did. And that... That was a great mistake. You should had let me fall, you should had never saved my pathetic form.
Blizzard shook his head slowly, a faint smile forming on his lips, his eyes locking onto Yen-Sid's, his gaze almost apologetic.
Blizzard: Because you're not like your brother. You're broken, just like I am. Just like all of us, everyone that had to walk through this horrible world. You have a good heart, I know it. I might not have a memory, but... but I do have instincts. And those have never been wrong, not once, not ever. You were not trying to hide your true self from me, Yen-Sid. You were just protecting a fragile heart. You, just like me, were simply trying to survive in a world that was never meant for us. And for what it's worth, that made all the difference.
His voice was gentle, almost soothing, and it filled the room with a sense of honesty and compassion as his tone became increasingly firm, and resolute.
Blizzard: You should not fear your own name. Be proud of Jareth Sid, because this is who you are, and your past, can not, and will not, define who you are destined to become. You have lived through this, you were dragged through that hell and back, and all for what? What were all those powers even for, if you would have chosen to simply keep on hidding? It was through your power that you finally managed to strike her! It's not that title that makes you great. It's the way you choose to wield it. And the way that you chose to use it to protect others. That makes you, who you are.
Blizzard reached out a hand, his touch a sign of camaraderie, an olive branch of friendship that was extended toward the sorcerer in a sign of genuine acceptance.
Blizzard: And also, after all that, I was wondering if it was okay, If I still call you Yen-Sid? You have always been more than just a name, or a title. After everything that you had done, after all of this madness... You deserve that, you know? You deserve this small comfort, even if it's not real.
He forced a smile. And with a slight sigh, he looked away from his face, and towards William. He was still sleeping and unmoving, yet, he felt somewhat safe. At least he was out of harm's way for the moment.
His gaze shifted to the window, and he allowed himself a moment of respite as he looked at the clear blue sky above, a sense of peace slowly returning to him. He would find a way, he would make sure that they would do it right, and that, would be more than enough.
Yen-Sid was silent, and he stared at the floor for a moment, a multitude of emotions flickering across his face as he fought to hold back his tears. The reality of it all, had finally hit him hard. All those lies he had crafted for himself, all those false titles, they were finally real. He had become that man, he had risen from the ashes of a broken past to achieve something that was so much more meaningful.
He had finally become, Yen-Sid. The Almighty Sorcerer.
Yen-Sid: Hmm. I suppose... I suppose you are correct. You tend to be, most of the time. You really are too much for your own good, sometimes. And yet... you're also, oddly perceptive for such a... well, you know what I mean.
He paused for a moment, a small smile slowly forming on his lips. He looked at his left shoulder pad, it shimmered under the faint light of the room, a symbol of his new, and unwanted responsibility, a weight that he would have to carry now, for as long as he remained alive. And for the first time, it did not feel so heavy after all. Because, at the very least, he was not alone, and they were not without hope, not yet.
Yen-Sid: So, a Keyblade Master, hmm? I suppose... I suppose I can get used to this idea. As long as I get to be the only one who can do all of that magical stuff, and you, well, you can continue to be strong, it makes sense to me.
He chuckled, a low, almost sardonic sound as he felt the weight of exhaustion returning to his body, his mind starting to feel heavy once more, his head threatening to nod as he slowly relaxed in the presence of his friend. Then, his gaze suddenly sharpened, his body straightening, all trace of his earlier weariness now replaced by a newfound purpose, a firm and resolute look replacing it.
Yen-Sid: It seems... It seems as though we have finally reached a turning point in this mess. This is no longer a game. It is now, time for action! First, we must refine our techniques to make sure that we do not repeat the same errors. We will attack Organization 14th, and we will claim Kingdom Hearts!
He extended his right hand, its muscles clenched tight, as his gaze focused forward on what he now knew was to be their destiny, a smile finally forming on his lips.
Yen-Sid: And with that power, we will make it all real! We will rewrite the rules, and we will create that new world, free of that horrible system that we endured! The world we were always meant to live in! We shall be strong and we will not fail again.
He chuckled, a low, almost unsettling sound, and with that small movement, he seemed to shift, more confident and a tad more reckless, his gaze now fixed on the unseen horizon, his mind racing as he suddenly saw a complete picture.
Yen-Sid: Heh... And who knows what might happen when we get there? It is almost impossible to predict, and yet... this is how things are meant to be, isn't it? Such are the challenges of a neverending story, even for us! So, let's see if we will truly manage to obtain that so called 'Happily Ever After.' Shall we?
He lowered his hand, his focus shifting back to the present, his previous doubts now fading as his face now reflected a newfound intensity, his form relaxed, yet every line of his body spoke of a will that was refusing to bend. He had lost, yet he had also won, and in that victory, his purpose was now clear.
Yen-Sid: You and I, and little William too. We will end that system that dragged us into this mess and we will never, ever, allow it to resurface. All of the darkness, those terrible nightmares, they will be erased, and forgotten, forever.
He extended a hand, his eyes locking with Blizzard's, a silent offering of acceptance and a pact of shared purpose. Blizzard, returned the gesture, his palm meeting Yen-Sid's with a firm and reassuring grasp, as his body was still sore but the lingering sensation of pain had begun to subside, his muscles, slowly but surely returning to normal, almost as if the touch of Yen-Sid's hand had somehow jump-started his own ability to self-repair.
With a nod, Yen-Sid helped Blizzard to his feet, his touch both gentle and supportive as he made sure that Blizzard was capable of walking without any help, as they had much work to do. The fight was done, but the war was far from over.
Yen-Sid: Can you stand on your own now, or should I offer you a piggy back ride like all those heroes of your books?
Blizzard chuckled, a small, almost weary sound as he straightened up, the last remnants of that strange feeling of listlessness finally dissipating from his form. His legs were still aching, but with each step that he took, he felt stronger, more capable, his muscles finally starting to respond to his commands, as he pushed forward.
Blizzard: I think I'm good, but thanks for the offer. It's nice to know that I still have that option if I ever get tired.
They moved towards a nearby set of drawers, and Yen-Sid took out a set of clean clothing, his hands holding the white shirt and a black vest that he had provided to Blizzard, in that now distant world where everything had suddenly started to crumble.
Yen-Sid: Here, try to change. We can't go around in those blood soaked things.
Blizzard nodded, taking the clothes with a small grateful smile as he quickly changed, his body still reacting, and shuddering slightly with the memory of the Sovereign's terrible attacks. He finally looked presentable, but he knew that his old self, the lost and afraid, was finally gone. And a new self, with new responsibilities and a growing hope for the future had been born, like a flower that was forced to grow in a barren and rocky place. They walked out of the guest room and into the familiar office.
Jameson was sitting on the office chair, his head lowered as he was immersed in the pages of an old book, his brow furrowed with concentration, as though he was trying to decipher some long forgotten secret, he looked up as his attention was drawn by the footsteps and seeing that both, they were back on their feet. He quickly closed the book and smiled.
Sergeant Jameson: I was worried... again. Please do try to take it easy.
Yen-Sid merely nodded in understanding before his gaze shifted to Blizzard, his eyes signaling a request.
Yen-Sid: So, Blizzard, if you would, could you perhaps touch that pauldron, on your left shoulder?
Blizzard nodded, his heart pounding slightly with a mixture of apprehension and a growing anticipation, before he finally reached out, his fingers brushing against the cold and smooth surface. He applied pressure to its middle, and in an instant, his entire body was engulfed in a surge of bright blue light, the intensity of the luminescence making him briefly close his eyes. He could feel something shifting, forming, like the sensation of a liquid that had suddenly become as hard as titanium, as layers of armor formed around his body, covering him from head to toe in a sleek and formidable protection.
Yen-Sid watched him carefully, his eyes fixed upon Blizzard as the blue light slowly receded, before a faint smile spread across his lips, his head nodding slowly in satisfaction, as he seemed to have found an answer to a long held question.
Yen-Sid: Hmm... it seems I was not the only one that was capable of manifesting a Keyblade Armor, was I?
Yen-Sid reached towards his own shoulder pad, his fingers brushing against its smooth surface, before applying the necessary pressure. And with a similar surge of energy, his body was covered in an armor of a vibrant purple, a strange but elegant design that fitted his form like a tailored glove, creating a figure that was both elegant and powerful.
He admired his new body, and his armor was the proof of his own mastery of magic.
Blizzard and Yen-Sid looked at each other as they fully embraced the forms that had been imposed on them. They were both powerful.
And then, everything seemed to fade, all the colors, all the sounds, they had all vanished as the power that sustained Blizzard's armor suddenly dissipated, his body once more, becoming heavy as he suddenly collapsed head first onto the floor. His entire body trembled, his bones protesting the sudden shock, and his lungs burned as he gasped for air, his hands scraping uselessly at the ground as he struggled to regain his footing.
His heart was beating erratically, and it was clear that the process, the sheer force that had given him that power had taken its toll.
Yen-Sid: Blizzard! Are you alright? What just happened?
Yen-Sid quickly moved to help him, his gaze filled with concern as he helped his friend sit up, carefully lifting Blizzard. His hand lingered on his own form, feeling the smooth lines of his armor, its structure remaining in place, without any trace of weariness nor a decrease in power. It felt... perfect.
Blizzard: What... what just... that... that felt so... heavy! And then... And then all of my energy was gone... I feel... exhausted.
His voice was strained, his muscles trembling as he pushed himself away from Yen-Sid, finally regaining some semblance of control over his own body, yet still incredibly drained.
Yen-Sid stroked the back of his neck, a nervous tic betraying the strange feeling that he could not properly describe, his eyes fixed on his friend's weary form, his mind now racing to understand the true nature of their power, as the realization settled onto him. The armor had not been created to be used all the time, it was a technique that required a vast source of energy, that was obviously beyond what Blizzard was capable of, and the sheer force of his transformation, had exhausted him completely.
Yen-Sid: Well... it seems that the same does not apply to me. A simple test of my strength and my limits and... it seems, I can handle my armor perfectly well. At least for a minute and a half, anyway. And perhaps, it is related to the age of the Wielder and the control they have with a Keyblade. Perhaps, for you, it will come later.
He chuckled, a small and sardonic sound as he moved his arms and stretched his neck, his Keyblade armor, still completely intact, as he was finally getting a taste of how powerful he had become. But the knowledge that his form could still maintain his Keyblade Armor as well as his control, did little to ease his growing concerns.
Yen-Sid: I must say, it is not half-bad though, seeing as you could at least stand for a few moments. You might be able to last for two seconds! But such blatant energy consumption can become a life-threatening problem if we ever stumble upon a real fight. With overwhelming opponents. We will have to do better than this, I know for sure that you are capable of far, far more, and in just one or two weeks, you'll master it!
He pushed himself off the desk with a small grunt, his expression hardening as he refocused on the task at hand. They were Keyblade Masters now, with all the responsibilities and expectations that came with that new and unexpected reality. And, with such responsibilities, they had to take action to stop the suffering that had plagued them for so long.
Yen-Sid: But the fact remains... We are both Keyblade Masters now, which means we should be able to handle all of that, I just hope that all of that training finally means something. But we have more urgent matters to deal with for now. It is time.
Yen-Sid glanced towards Jameson, his voice taking on a more serious tone as he prepared to tackle their next task.
Yen-Sid: Sergeant... it is time. We have to finally make it right, William will be the third pillar that will support us, and that is more important than all of the petty battles that await us. All the worlds will fall, if we do not fix this mistake. Now, we must, proceed.
With a nod towards Jameson, they made their way back to the guest room, his footsteps echoing softly against the wooden floors, as they moved towards the bed where William remained as still as a statue.
With a subtle thought, the vibrant purple plating dissolved into a stream of light that was drawn back to his left shoulder pauldron. He flexed his left shoulder and rolled his neck, a small smile forming on his lips as he felt the familiar sensations of his body finally returning, as he felt himself, once more as he summoned Wisdom in his right hand.
Yen-Sid: It seems that, after all that has happened, I have finally gained a new perspective on what that strange ability does, or how it even works. It's not simply about repairing the mind, is it? It's more than that. The mind can be shattered, but the heart and the body... they remain intact, leaving a shell of a living being, forever suspended, forever ageless for all eternity.
Blizzard nodded, his hand absentmindedly moving towards the side of his body, as if seeking some kind of confirmation of the truth that he was so very familiar with.
Blizzard: That was the case for me too. And even then.
He looked away from Yen-Sid, his voice fading. He had come so far and all this effort to change things, had suddenly vanished. If that was all there was to it, if that was the true nature of a Keyblade's power, then it had simply failed him, once more.
He then looked back at Yen-Sid, his eyes fixed, waiting for his words.
Blizzard: We can't simply repair a broken mind like that, right? It's impossible, without some kind of... specific technique. Or a way to control it? Because, whatever that power is, if it's as simple as just that.
Yen-Sid nodded slowly, his hand now on his chin, his gaze locked on an unseen point in the distance, his mind processing Blizzard's words and the terrible implications that they both brought with them.
Yen-Sid: Indeed. It is not so simple. It appears that, first, the one who attempts such feat must have reached the status of a Keyblade Master. Secondly, and more importantly, the one who is casting this ritual, must have some sort of bond with the target. Some kind of a connection, no matter how feeble that connection might be. Without a relation, or a friendship, or some kind of purpose, that ability is as good as useless, it cannot, and will never work.
He paused, as a sense of frustration washed over him, this power that they possessed, that could had been used for so much good, was locked behind a silly, almost cruel condition.
Yen-Sid: And that seems to be the reason why Chirithy was so special, or at least, so I believe. It had always known you, since the very beginning. But we... We are not like this spirit. Our attempts... They will be flawed, I kno-
Sergeant Jameson: Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me that this is going to take another... another one hundred and eighteen years or so? Because, with all due respect, I can't say that I would even be able to last an hour, let alone that amount of time again! No! That's not happening!
Yen-Sid chuckled, the sound a mix of sardonic amusement and a genuine sense of relief that was finally easing the tension within his heart, a new sense of resolve returning to his body, though he also realized that his own tone was coming off as a little bit too reckless.
Yen-Sid: Do you take me as an imbecile, Sergeant? Do you think that I enjoy putting my very life at risk every single second to simply come back home and hear you complain about waiting for so long? No, no, we are not fools. We will not allow time, or lack of time, or whatever silly nonsense is brewing in your head to be an impediment to our objective. So please, try to stop this silly display! We will manage this in a timely manner, and without any more useless and stupid delays.
He paused, as a new layer of worry had settled within his mind.
Yen-Sid: Still, I'd rather not imagine what could happen when the process actually starts, we are barely holding onto our very essences, and if our efforts fail, I am quite sure that his heart or his body, or perhaps both, could simply vanish, leaving nothing behind but a fleeting memory. But...
He glanced at Blizzard, his gaze lingering for a moment, offering a silent promise of support, before his gaze once more returned to their target, his tone now firm, and resolute.
Yen-Sid: Let's just get this done. It's time to act.
Blizzard nodded, his breath catching in his throat as his hands summoned Frostbite. He moved forward, standing directly in front of William's bed, his body still, yet, his mind racing as he tried to prepare himself for the task that laid before them. He focused, his gaze fixed upon the comatose form, his muscles tensed as he fought to control the fear that threatened to take control.
Blizzard: I hope... I hope you can hear me. I'm here. We're here. We're going to make sure that you wake up now.
His words were soft, a gentle plea, spoken with a desperate hope that his voice would somehow, find a way to reach William, and with a final nod, he braced himself.
Yen-Sid placed his hand firmly on Blizzard's left shoulder from behind, his eyes fixed on his hands, focusing all of his energy, pouring it into Blizzard, channeling the power of Wisdom through his body and through the Keyblade. He released his energy into Frostbite, seeking out the other Keyblade, enhancing the ritual, a promise of stability to a world spiraling out of control.
Blizzard inhaled sharply, before releasing a stream of pure power, his right arm leading the way, his left hand guiding his steps, as Frostbite's light erupted with blinding intensity. The beam travelled across the space, following an erratic, jagged path before swirling upwards and downwards, the light piercing through William's head before the raw power focused its full might on the center of his brain.
William's head was suddenly illuminated, a pure golden glow emanating from his brow, before slowly spreading across his entire face, and down to his chest. His heart absorbed the energy, accepting the foreign power with what seemed almost a welcomed embrace. His stored power was consumed, leaving him feeling weak, and his heart heavy, as if a weight that he had not been aware of had been lifted from his bones.
His vision started to blur, his body trembled under the immense pressure of the ritual, his lungs gasping for air, his bones aching as the familiar sensation of energy slowly fading from his very being, and all those images started to float across his senses. His vision became a mess, his mind struggled to remain in control.
Yen-Sid: Blizzard! Do not falter now! You must not give up! We need your will! I can not do this by myself!
His voice echoed, a distant yet familiar sound in the chaotic world of his perceptions. He knew that Yen-Sid's warning had a purpose. And he tried to force his body to obey, his will all that he had left, and with a shuddering breath, he refocused his mind on what needed to be done, his mind racing to hold back the growing darkness, his will now all that remained.
His vision shifted abruptly as the world around him dissolved into a pitch black void, his senses completely overwhelmed as countless white shards of glass began to materialize, slowly, each one glowing with an intense and blinding light that was almost impossible to bear, their forms floating aimlessly around in the infinite darkness. He could almost hear whispers that came from the abyss, they seemed to originate from every single fragment.
To mend what had been shattered, to rebuild something from nothing. He knew that his own self-doubt that he had tried so hard to keep in check, was suddenly growing back, and with it, a sense of responsibility that had been so lacking until that very moment. He could not even comprehend how someone could possibly see the proper solution to that puzzle.
Blizzard: You... You did this in that void of mine, didn't you? What are you, if not perfection itself?
Blizzard's energy poured out, his body trembling, his lungs burning for air, as his mind forced itself to navigate through that void, his every muscle, and his every breath, focused on completing his task. He had to grasp the shards, he had to find their place in the puzzle, even if it cost him everything. He had to keep moving. He had to fight, as Yen-Sid's voice continued to reach to him, a beacon in the dark, a powerful sound that gave him the strength that he so desperately needed.
He focused on the shards, the familiar feel of ice guiding him, the cold, biting sharpness of the glass almost familiar as his mind brushed against the smooth, cold edges of countless fragments. He began, piece by piece, to connect each fragment with its corresponding section, slowly and methodically, reconstructing the lost structure, trying to find its proper place within that endless void.
With every subtle shift in focus, a wave of new emotions coursed through his being, a mix of past memories and a sense of a new life that was emerging as he pushed forward. He could almost feel William's heart beat as he continued the process, an endless effort to make things right, with every agonizing step.
Time started to distort, his perception of reality slowly fading away as his focus became more and more intense, and the moments began to stretch like an elastic band, each minute now felt like an eternity, a distorted perception of time, as the hours passed before him. He fought, his eyes moving rapidly as his mind processed countless images, his focus barely holding onto the fragile remnants of his conscious thought, as he forced his own will onto that endless task, as he finally, started to reconnect the millions and millions of pieces into a perfect whole, the pieces now falling perfectly into place, as they all clicked, all at once.
His body jerked suddenly, the intense sensation of his own mind now returning to him, and with a loud gasp, he fell backwards, tumbling through space as the black void vanished, replaced by the sight of a familiar room, with the lights dancing on the walls. The next thing he felt, was the heavy weight of Yen-Sid on top of his exhausted body, his bones protesting loudly as he slowly slid onto a nearby red double bed, their bodies tangled and breathless, as the weight of the previous struggle pulled them down, the sudden change in environment making their senses swim with a dizzying confusion.
And all that remained was the comatose form of William.
His body was covered in an intense, bright golden hue, his skin glowing with a celestial light that seemed to emanate from his very core. His form shifted and shimmered for a moment, and with a flash, the light dissolved into particles that sparkled like tiny fragments of gold before disappearing altogether.
A small twitch, a faint tremor, rippled through the motionless limbs of the boy on the bed. His fingers twitched, his chest puffed up, expanding as his body was taking a first breath for the first time, taking in a lungful of much-needed oxygen. And then his form settled, and for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, they heard a deep, almost desperate sigh that was followed by a quiet, and gentle exhale.
His eyelids fluttered before, with a slow, and gentle ease, they finally opened, his eyes stared at the ceiling above, his expression a mix of confusion and a slowly dawning understanding, his mind struggling to orientate in a world that had suddenly returned to him after a long and incomprehensible absence.
Jameson, who had been watching the scene with a look of quiet apprehension, let out a cry of shock, and surprise, as the color drained from his face, his eyes wide with a dawning realization of what he had just witnessed, all trace of composure had vanished as his hand flew up to cover his mouth, struggling to find the right words to articulate the sheer wonder that was now overwhelming his mind.
Sergeant Jameson: He's... he's alive... you... you actually did it! You did it!
William's head lifted slowly from the soft cushion, his neck tilting upwards as though he was struggling against an invisible force, and his gaze slowly moved towards the figures in the room. His eyes, a familiar, yet somewhat unsettling light blue, widened slightly, his features contorted into a mix of disbelief and a dawning, subtle, yet clear anger as his body struggled to take in the new world that now surrounded him.
He was silent for a long moment as his mind tried to comprehend the sudden change in his circumstances, his features scrunching up in confusion, before his eyes darted rapidly around the room, a frantic and almost panicked movement, searching for some sort of anchor, some familiar point of reference in this completely unknown space. His hand slowly moved up to cover his mouth, his fingers lingering there as he tried to suppress an unbidden urge to scream, his brows furrowed as the horror of what was happening, what he had been subjected to, and his growing fear about his own present state was slowly washing over him.
He then, carefully, settled his gaze onto the window, looking away from everyone else, as he took a moment to gather his composure, before his shoulders finally relaxed, his neck straightened, and slowly, with great care, his head shifted, his gaze, locking directly onto Blizzard.
William: Who... Who are you all?
His voice was raspy, rough from disuse, his mind lost, trying to find an answer in this strange and unfamiliar setting, his thoughts, a chaotic mess of half-formed sentences and faded memories, that were now threatening to surface.
Jameson flinched, his face scrunching up with a mixture of disappointment and a growing concern as he took a step back, trying to give his son the space that he clearly needed, yet his heart was now racing with panic, because if the ritual had worked, as it clearly had, it should had left him intact, or at least that is how it was supposed to be. All this time... and this, is what they get?
Yen-Sid was too taken aback by William's words, his eyes narrowed in confusion, and a growing sense of frustration began to bubble in his chest.
Yen-Sid: What!? That makes absolutely no sense! That was perfect, or at least, I thought it was! That should have restored everything, all of it. Memories, all included! But perhaps... perhaps they will return in time.
He stopped abruptly, the growing tension and worry slowly pushing back the initial excitement that had been brewing within his heart. All those efforts, all those preparations, and now... it seemed they had somehow managed to mess things up once more.
Yen-Sid coughed and took a step back, finally regaining some semblance of composure, he placed a hand on his chest, and took a deep breath before presenting himself with a more formal tone. His face showed a calmness that was only barely masking the apprehension that he had been carefully hiding from them.
Yen-Sid: Hmm. Well, that is... less than ideal, indeed. Well then, introductions are in order, I suppose. My name is Yen-Sid, and this is Blizzard. We both are Keyblade Wielders, or Keyblade Masters now if you prefer those specific labels. And Sergeant Jameson, well, you should already be somewhat familiar with him, he is your father, and we're in my tower, the place where all the most important things always take place. Also, we all are in a Universe that is made up of Worlds that were once together. That... well, it's a very long story, to put it simply.
He then pointed at William, and spoke to him in a more formal manner.
Yen-Sid: We were trying to bring you back from the deep sleep that you have been confined, as we all need your help. Your help against a group of Nobodies called Organization 14th. They are a group of terrible people who seek to destroy all Keyblade Wielders, and we have reason to believe that they hold in their possession an item of unspeakable might, Kingdom Hearts. We must obtain it and restore this universe before it was torn apart, before the Heartless came, before all of this... nonsense!
William merely stared back at them, his expression one of utter incomprehension, his mouth slightly agape, his gaze almost vacant as he absorbed this cascade of nonsensical information. He blinked slowly, then his features morphed into a mask of incredulous frustration, his eyebrows furrowing deeply as he struggled to make sense of an impossible equation. His fingers moved restlessly on the soft covers, his eyes wide, trying to read an invisible script, his head shifting subtly, his ears picking up a noise that was only within his mind as he struggled to process this bizarre and nonsensical information.
William: You want... you want me to do... What? Keyblade... Nobodies? Heartless? Kingdom Hearts?
His words were slow, and strained, his tone a mix of disbelief and mounting impatience as his hands moved from the blanket to touch his head, as if he had suddenly developed a headache. He paused, his expression contorted with a bizarre mixture of confusion and a barely contained disdain.
William: You all... You all are speaking complete nonsense. And... and why am I here?
Blizzard stepped forward, offering a soft and more reassuring smile to William, sensing the growing tension and the rising sense of panic from Yen-Sid.
Blizzard: It's... it's a lot to take in, I know, and I understand, believe me, I know better than anyone how it must feel to not understand. Everything that you're hearing is real, as unbelievable as it may seem to you. We were hoping that you would have retained some of your memories. But do not worry, we're here for you. We will help you. And if you listen to us for a little bit, I'm sure you will finally believe that everything is true.
His words were calm, tinged with a gentle and understanding tone, a reminder that they had both been there, in that similar situation, and they had managed to get back on their feet. The sense of empathy was genuine, a desire to bridge the gaps of confusion that now surrounded the young man on the bed.
Barely containing his growing emotion, Jameson's eyes were now wet, slowly approached his son, his hand reaching out, ready to embrace him after so many, long and unbearable years apart, a desire to show his love, to touch him, to hold him, after losing him for such a long time.
Sergeant Jameson: William... It's me, your Father... It has been too long, my son...
His voice trembled, his words barely a whisper, laced with a mixture of relief and a profound sense of regret for all the time that they had lost. He wanted to tell him so much, he wanted to talk about the past, the present and the future, but, he knew that all those questions, those desires, could wait for another time. His son was finally awake, and that was all that truly mattered. He did not want to push him, to make him feel overwhelmed or scared. He simply wanted to see if his son still recognized him.
William flinched away from his father's touch, his gaze moving away, his form rigid and distant, his mouth set into a hard line of refusal, his body recoiling as though Jameson had just insulted him.
William: Don't... Don't touch me. I... I don't know you.
His voice was low, tinged with a mixture of fear and confusion as his arms crossed against his chest, shielding himself against the man that he no longer recognized as his father. He didn't remember him. And that made all of this, that much worse.
Yen-Sid sighed, his body relaxing, and his eyes now wide with a strange mix of empathy, and his very own, specific version of cold acceptance, he knew how it was to be lost, and perhaps, his past had now finally taught him how to act, as he sought to understand how to approach this terrible and unwanted event. All of this madness was simply not meant to be simple, and he had to simply move forward, without losing sight of his goal. He had spent too much time, running from his responsibilities, it was now time to face them head on, no matter the cost.
Yen-Sid: It's okay, Jameson, it's okay. Do not worry. We need his cooperation. We should not force anything on him, not yet. We will let him do this at his own pace, you must try to understand. It is all new, you know? To him. And you, well, you know all of those things that you were trying to tell us before, you must try to understand.
He straightened, his gaze turning to William, his tone now calm and measured, the traces of his earlier frustration now gone as his mind began to formulate a plan. They had to be patient. He knew that they had to do what was necessary, and all those emotions that were bubbling beneath his surface were, at best, useless and redundant.
Yen-Sid: It may seem as if we do not know each other, or that we may not be trustworthy. But, believe me when I say, we are on the same side, William. We are on the side of life, and not that of needless, and cruel death. If you seek answers, if you want to know what has transpired. If you seek some kind of purpose, then, you must assist us. We are not asking for your blind allegiance, we only ask for your cooperation, so, as of right now, we need you, and we need you to understand the gravity of your own situation.
Yen-Sid paused, his form relaxing as he offered a soft and more approachable smile, his previous haughtiness had almost completely vanished as he tried to create an inviting and reassuring appearance.
Yen-Sid: For now, you must try to recover your senses, so I would recommend you to get a proper shower, and try to get reacquainted with your body, and then, maybe you can try to understand your memories as you get ready. You can use the guest room, you should find everything you might need there. As for the rest... let's just say that we will all have a lot to discuss, and decide, for your fate, later. Please... if you can, you can meet us at my office, whenever you're ready. We shall wait there patiently.
With that, Yen-Sid turned away, and with a gesture of dismissal towards Sergeant Jameson, he left the guest room, not before flexing his left shoulder, and with a small chuckle, he added, a sardonic but not unkind tone.
Yen-Sid: You know, I really do look good in this armor. I might consider getting a mirror.
His footsteps faded away as he made his way towards the office, leaving both Blizzard, and Jameson, in a state of uncomfortable, almost unbearable silence, their minds struggling to comprehend what had just transpired. All that was left, was the broken and lost form of the boy, as he finally began to make sense of what they had told him, as he looked from his father's face, to the space where the sorcerer once stood.
A few hours passed, the sun slowly began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows throughout the tower as night finally fell, covering the sky in a blanket of infinite darkness.
Yen-Sid was sitting at his desk, his head lowered as he was immersed in his research, studying ancient texts and scrolls, trying to decipher the intricacies of that strange power. At the edge, stood Blizzard and William, their forms still somewhat awkward, mirroring the discomfort that had lingered between them since their last conversation, the memory of that moment still fresh in their minds.
Yen-Sid: So, William, please feel free to ask any questions that might be lingering within your mind, so that we may proceed further, and without any further needless delay.
William: I... I never... I never would have thought that such... such things... were even possible. You know that... the world, the worlds... And those... well, that's all completely ridiculous! Where are we, even? You... You really want me to believe that all of that, about Keyblades, and... and the Heartless, and those Nobodies is... real? And that all of those memories of my past, are not from this Earth? That those are not from our very reality?
Yen-Sid remained composed, his voice calm and measured, while giving Blizzard a side glance. He needed to keep things short and precise, he had a plan, and they could not allow time, or such meaningless conversations, to change its path.
Yen-Sid: My dear William, please, do not fret yourself so much over your own safety. While it is true that I will not be able to accompany you, you can rest assured that you are now in good hands. Blizzard is a capable Keyblade wielder, and now, a Master, and he will be more than capable of guiding you, and of protecting you during your travels, and if it was any different, well then, I would have never let him leave my sight.
Yen-Sid paused, his gaze shifting towards Blizzard, offering him a small, almost imperceptible wink of approval.
Yen-Sid: As for myself, I will continue my research here, to further our understanding, and plan on what path we should take to confront and put an end this. As for your father, well, the Sergeant will remain here, where his expertise and his knowledge will be essential, and to make sure I do not do anything irrational during my research. I will, of course, be taking good care of him, you can be rest assured, my boy, that no danger will reach him here. And you, and Blizzard, you will be safe. You must trust in our plan. We'll all meet up later.
William: I... I guess that we're not in danger then, right?
His voice wavered, betraying his inner turmoil and the lingering fear that had started to take root in his heart. They were so confident in their abilities. They were so quick to rush into conflict, and yet... they were so incredibly human as well, their smiles, their voices, they felt too real to be part of some elaborate charade. And that, made his mind race. Did they, really believed all of that?
Yen-Sid: My dear William, let me be completely honest with you, the power of a Keyblade Wielder, or now, a Keyblade Master, such as me, or Blizzard, does not make us indestructible. We are not some sort of invincible Gods. We are simply... powerful.
He stopped, offering him a gentle smile, his tone now softer and more approachable, his words chosen to make the young man feel more at ease, at the fact that they were, in the end, just like him, mortals, trying to make sense of a world that had never been designed for them.
Yen-Sid: But the power that you now possess, or, rather that is destined for you, if that power is properly harnessed and with the right guidance, could allow you to do many great things, which includes, surviving. You are a Keyblade Wielder of the past, a time where such power was as normal as the air you breathe, and with Blizzard's guidance, I have no doubt that you will be more than capable of rediscovering what you have lost, and regain your strength once more.
His smile grew as he moved closer, offering him a gentle and reassuring nod.
Yen-Sid: And the one single most important factor is... to be cautious, and to stay vigilant. Or we will not see another sunset in this accursed and damned realm.
Yen-Sid then moved back, his eyes suddenly fixed and focused as he turned to Blizzard, a subtle message, a warning that was barely present, even in his tone.
Yen-Sid: And Blizzard?
Blizzard: Yes?
Yen-Sid: If... if anything should occur. If you stumble upon an insurmountable obstacle, I want to make sure that you are always ready to retreat, without any trace of hesitance. We do not want to repeat the same errors as the one that lead to Josiah's sacrifice. I... I can't lose anyone else. Not anymore.
He reached out, placing his hand in his pocket and taking out an item he had obviously been carrying with him, revealing a small orb that seemed to be emitting a barely visible wisp of smoke that was swirling around its surface. He placed it on the table, his fingers pushing it closer to Blizzard.
Yen-Sid: This device, created with my own two hands, should offer a level of protection that will help you, when in need, for I am aware that your powers can, sometimes, get out of your hand. It's a smoke screen, and I have created it specifically for this occasion, so try not to lose it. With its help, if you are ever put in a situation that will lead to a terrible outcome, simply throw it on the ground, and every single being that is within a radius of five meters, will be instantly teleported back here. To the tower, where it should be safe. So... please, be mindful of your actions. And... do not be reckless. And keep William safe. He is precious, more so than even you would believe. You understand?
Yen-Sid was right. They could not afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. They had to move forward with caution, and with a carefully planned strategy, not with recklessness and blind confidence. He was not going to let anyone else die for him. Not anymore.
Before he could utter a single word, the door opened and Jameson walked inside, his expression a mixture of apprehension and a genuine concern, a desire to reach his son, and for the first time, be a proper father.
Sergeant Jameson: William, before you leave...
His voice was a low, almost pleading whisper that betrayed his overwhelming emotions. He needed to say something, anything, to clear the heavy burden in his heart. He was not used to being helpless, but in the presence of his son, all sense of control had finally vanished, leaving behind a vulnerability that was both terrifying and somehow comforting.
Sergeant Jameson: I... I want to talk to you, before you go... I... I know that I made... choices... in the past. Mistakes... I... I should never have...
He stopped himself, his hand running over his mouth, a self-conscious reminder of all the words that he wanted to convey, yet, still unable to let them flow with the freedom that his soul had craved for so long.
Sergeant Jameson: Just... Forget about it. All of it. For now. You must focus on regaining your memories, and your strength, please. But, remember this. As your Father, and as a friend... I only hope, I truly hope that... that one day you can, somehow... Forgive me... For what... for all that I did...
His voice faded, his shoulders slumped as he offered a small, apologetic smile, the words heavy and tinged with a deep regret, his tone begging for some kind of acceptance and forgiveness from his son. It felt too small and too inadequate, and yet, those were the only words that he could muster.
William looked at his father's face, and his body slowly recoiled as though he had just felt something unpleasant. He did not understand all of that nonsensical talk, nor did he comprehend why his father was acting so strangely. He wanted to say something, but every time he opened his mouth, his thoughts just became all the more jumbled, all the more confusing, to the point that it almost felt like he had forgotten how to talk all together.
And, with a small grunt, he shook his head.
William: Why do you look so sad?
His voice was tinged with confusion, with a sense of disbelief that made all of his words feel hollow, his posture stiff and unnatural, the subtle tension betraying the true nature of his feelings, as the sense of unease grew stronger within his heart. He did not understand, nor did he know what to say to this stranger, a man who claimed to be his father, and to have wronged him, even though he didn't even knew him.
Sensing his discomfort, Blizzard took a step forward, trying to offer him some sort of a lifeline, a way to escape the awkward silence that had settled in the room.
Blizzard: Hey, William, I think that we should get going. Time is ticking, right? We can always talk more later, or during our trip, if you like.
He offered a reassuring smile that was as gentle as it was sincere, his voice calm, and almost friendly, offering a refuge from the internal storm that was raging in the heart of the young man, as his hand moved toward the door
William shifted his gaze towards Blizzard, his face still held with a mix of confusion, but his body moving with a slow, and cautious nod.
William: Bli-Blizzard, was it?
Yen-Sid sighed as he observed the two Keyblade Wielders, their forms starting to move towards the door.
Yen-Sid: Be careful out there, you two, and whatever awaits you, I wish you luck.
With a final nod, Blizzard and William turned and headed toward the staircase, their footsteps fading as they descended, their forms slowly disappearing from view, as Jameson and Yen-Sid could only watch, silently, and with bated breath.
Their footsteps echoed softly as they descended, each step taking them further and further away from the familiar confines of the tower. The long, winding staircase spiraled downwards, the dim light from the tower fading with each passing level, until they finally reached the base, emerging into the cool air outside, where the night had finally cast its heavy blanket over the world, bathing everything in a sea of shadows.
They had barely stepped away from the entrance when a small, almost imperceptible flicker of light descended from above, its form slowly materializing as it touched the ground, transforming from a pure ray of white into a familiar figure.
Chirithy stood before them, its small body rigid, its form unusually silent, its eyes fixed upon William, as it studied him carefully, their gazes locked for what felt like an eternity.
William's breath hitched, his body stiffened as his mind raced, trying to understand what he was seeing, this was not normal, he had never seen anything like it, and he felt that he should be afraid, yet that small creature was looking at him without any intention of hurting him.
Blizzard took a step forward, his form relaxed, as he tried to alleviate the tension that had suddenly settled between them, his voice calm, and measured, as he sought to diffuse the confusion.
Blizzard: Heh... um. Chirithy, this is William, he is also a Keyblade Wielder, just like me. We... we just fixed his mind so now, he can finally get back to his body.
His explanation was rushed, almost awkward, as he fumbled for the right words, his voice betraying a hint of the nervousness that had started to creep into his heart, as he tried to understand why Chirithy was acting in such a way, his tone almost like a plea for a rational approach.
Chirithy barely acknowledged Blizzard, its gaze still locked onto William, studying him carefully, before turning towards Blizzard, its tone strangely calm, barely holding back a wellspring of hidden feelings.
Chirithy: You know... It really is amazing... The fact that you managed to fix a person's mind in less than a day... I know how much of a burden that was, to make the required preparations for that ritual to actually work... all of that time, all of those efforts... it is truly impressive... You have become so... strong. But...
Its voice trailed off for a moment, its light pulsing slowly as it gathered its thoughts, before it finally continued, its tone now laced with a heavy sense of unease.
Chirithy: I... I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. These last few days... well, they have been... quite eventful, to put it mildly. It is as if they've been pulling me away, and back again, all at once.
Its words were measured and precise, its tone unusually somber, a subtle layer of tension that was almost too painful to bear had now seeped into its very essence.
William: What... What is that thing?
He asked, his voice a mixture of suspicion and bewilderment as he looked from the strangely behaving Dream Eater to Blizzard, a question that was laden with both curiosity and a growing sense of discomfort. His eyes darted between the two, and it was as though he had finally begun to grasp that their world was far more complicated, far more dangerous than he could have ever imagined.
Blizzard: Oh... That's Chirithy, he's my... well, he's a Dream Eater, or something, I guess. He's been with me since the very beginning. You get used to it.
He could feel the gazes of both Chirithy and William on him, each of them still lost in their own thoughts as they moved forward, his steps taking him towards the edge of the tower's platform.
With a subtle movement of his arm, Frostbite transformed into its Vessel form.
Blizzard: Time to get going. Are you ready?
William barely nodded, his eyes fixed on the strange vessel as it shifted and moved into its flying configuration, as the hatch opened invitingly, as he moved forward and entered, his head slightly tilted to the side as he tried, in vain, to grasp the complexity of what he was getting himself into.
Blizzard followed close behind, as his footsteps felt lighter, and more powerful as he took a deep breath before finally stepping into the vessel.
As the sliding hatch closed with a soft and almost welcoming hum, the vessel slowly ascended into the sky, its engines glowing with a bright blue light as it started its launch sequence, rising higher and higher, until it finally broke free from the planet, and its form was now gliding in the middle of the cosmos. Below them, the massive shape of the world, and its smaller form of the tower, now looked nothing more than a small, fading light, a tiny, distant memory that was slowly shrinking from their view as they ventured forth into the infinite.
William's breath hitched as he pressed his face against one of the nearby windows, his eyes wide, his mouth slightly open as he took in the vast expanse of the cosmos, his mind unable to comprehend the pure beauty, and the absolute terror of that incredible view, a new sensation that was pushing him to embrace this newfound world and his new, and exciting destiny.
Blizzard: It's something, right?
He smiled, as his heart settled. Everything was right now, and he needed to push this forward.
He then moved away from the window, taking a few steps, before shifting to his left, towards a smaller door on the side of the vessel, his heart pounding as he pushed it open, revealing a small storage area that was meant for luggage and personal items. His eyes, darted rapidly around, looking behind each compartment, and below each shelf, searching for an unseen threat, before he finally let out a long sigh of relief as he found nothing, a wave of relief finally washing over his exhausted mind.
William was still gazing at the view, a small and subtle smile forming on his face, the terror of the night behind them slowly fading from his mind, as he was lost in his own thoughts. And for the first time, Blizzard was beginning to feel a genuine sense of hope that this new teammate, this new friend, would be able to carry them, all the way to the finish line.
William: Do you think we are in danger?
His voice held a strange blend of curiosity and a genuine worry as his head turned back to Blizzard, his expression suddenly filled with apprehension, his fingers tightening around a non-existing Keyblade. All of his new-found confidence had suddenly vanished.
Blizzard sighed as he approached, his footsteps light as he moved closer to William. It seemed that they would all have a lot of learning to do on this trip, and for a brief moment, that realization did not make him feel so alone.
Blizzard: The Lunatic... The Lunatic is the one I am more worried about. I... I am worried he might have been lurking near the tower. I just wanted to make sure that he was not here, or on the ship. That's all. So... yeah.
William: By the way... is that guy some kind of a stalker? Does he just... does he see you sleep or something?
His tone was tinged with a mix of amusement and a strange, almost uncomfortable sense of disbelief, his body suddenly feeling more tense. He could not deny the humor, but he could not ignore the underlying fear that had taken hold of his very senses.
Blizzard chuckled softly, the sound almost like a forced exhale as he shook his head.
Blizzard: No, he's not a stalker, at least not in that way. He's just someone, who is... He is simply obsessed with power, with the notion of testing one's strength against another, and with that horrible ideal of resetting reality, as if his perception was the only true path. It's... well, it is a mess.
Blizzard was too tired to go into all the details, his voice trailed off as he walked away towards the pilot's seat, wanting to avoid this topic altogether, his back turned as he attempted to regain his focus.
William: But why you? Why are you always his target?
Blizzard paused, his form stiffening as his hands grasped the control, his gaze never moving away from the display in front of him, lost in his own thoughts as the ship began to move.
Blizzard: It's hard to say for sure.
William was silent for a moment as he digested what had been said, his mind racing as he sought to make sense of an impossible situation.
William: That sounds... scary... Are you even sure that... Are you going to be alright?
His voice was a soft, almost pleading whisper, as his expression morphed into one of genuine worry, as he seemed to be caught between his desire to understand and a desperate fear of the unknown.
Before Blizzard could utter a single word, Chirithy walked toward William as it peered at him with a look that could only be defined as irritation, its small form shifting slightly as it tried to stabilize itself.
Chirithy: Honestly? He's just an overly dramatic mess, craving an audience like a stray looking for a handout. If he actually had the ability to erase everything, he'd have already done it, I'm sure of it. So don't get all worked up over his claims, that's just his ego shouting for attention and nothing more.
Blizzard sighed, a small, almost weary sound, as he moved his hand on the control panel. It was time. He was ready to move forward. With or without support, or the silent acceptance of this comatose world. All that he could do, was to keep moving forward.
Blizzard: Yeah... Let's go.
The two days that followed, as they traversed the cosmos in the Keyblade Vessel, were a study in contrasts, of a serene and peaceful travel, as it sliced through space, and a growing tension that was building up with each passing hour.
William spent most of his time glued to the windows, his face pressed against the cool glass as he was taking in the sights of the cosmic ocean, a swirling canvas of stars, nebulae, and distant planets. The scale of it was almost overwhelming, too large, too beautiful, too dangerous, and his eyes moved erratically, trying to take it all in, as though his mind had finally grasped that he was no longer in the world that he remembered. He was looking out towards the infinite, and he was on his way to finally uncover all of the mysteries of his forgotten past. And perhaps, if his luck holds strong, he may even make sense of it all. And, with each passing moment, he knew that he was changing, his heart becoming more and more focused on a path that he could not define, a purpose that was both terrifying and alluring.
Other times, when the vastness of space became too much to bear, or when he needed a break from his endless philosophical reflections, he would retreat to the storage room, where he explored not only Blizzard's possessions, but the items that he was able to gather during the previous travels. He was reading the worn pages of old manuals, his fingers brushing against the surface of strange, almost futuristic devices, and carefully inspecting various trinkets and oddities that they had all managed to collect during this chaotic and bizarre mess, the remnants of a past, lives and adventures that he had never experienced.
Among those possessions, a big military bag caught his attention, the letters on it stated 'J.S.' A strange unease settled upon him as he opened it, revealing an odd mix of books with notes scrawled on all their pages, what looked like a machine, a coffee machine? A device that could make coffee. And then he saw them, a pistol with a matching holster, and a modern assault rifle. His mind raced with countless questions, as he barely registered the make and model, only the very presence of those weapons which felt so out of place with the rest of that collection.
He had touched it, his fingers brushing against the cold steel, and, for a brief moment, felt something tug within his mind, a fleeting image of a man who was now nothing more than a memory, a distant form that had made this mess possible, and yet, so completely unaware of the countless events that had followed after his death.
He looked around cautiously, glancing through the entrance, making sure that no one was looking his way as he clutched the bag, and that gun, his fingers tightening around its handle as the realization took hold, he was, in the end, not only handling the memories of another man, but all that was left of his life, reduced to silly weapons and a coffee machine. Whoever this man had been, he must have been quite dangerous if he required all of this...
And then, there were the nights, where he would sleep soundly in his bunk, his breathing even and relaxed as he drifted into the realm of his dreams, his mind finding solace in the quiet stillness of sleep as his body finally had a moment to rest.
But those peaceful moments of sleep were not meant to last.
William was suddenly jolted awake, his eyes snapping open, his mind immediately aware of a subtle, yet unmistakable vibration that was reverberating through the metallic structure of the ship, a low frequency tremor that seemed to resonate deep within his bones. He felt it through his very core as a sense of unease, slowly replaced a fragile and well needed sense of safety, his senses returning all too quickly as the world came crashing down around him.
He could hear footsteps, approaching his bunk, the sound, oddly heavy, seemed to intensify with every passing second, echoing down the narrow corridor of the ship, before a voice, too close, shattered his sleep completely. It was then when he had finally opened his eyes that he heard a strange sound.
The vessel, seemed to dissolve, leaving behind nothing but a sense of falling, the walls tearing themselves apart as the world gave way before him, leaving him with only a sky full of swirling clouds and a breathtaking view of the vast mountains as his form was pushed through the abyss, and then... they were falling.
The sensation of weightlessness enveloped them, as they descended quickly, with a growing speed as they were hurtling downwards, toward the distant, unknown landscape below, his form spiraling uncontrollably toward a planet that he had never known before, as a chilling sense of fear settled onto his very bones.
William: Blizzard! What is happening?!
His voice was filled with panic, his mind desperately trying to make sense of the sudden and chaotic change in his surroundings, as he desperately sought some kind of logical answer, some familiar object that would be able to anchor him to reality, yet, he only saw more chaos, as everything around him began to break apart.
Blizzard: William! You have to calm your mind and use your powers! Levitate! Control your fall! You should be able to, you have that power! So do it now!
Blizzard's voice was firm, yet tinged with an underlying note of urgency as his body was shifting and turning wildly, as he struggled to maintain control over his own descent, as he sought a solid point of reference amidst the swirling chaos.
William instinctively reached inwards, desperately seeking something, anything to try and survive as he attempted to harness the power that now resided within him. He focused, his mind struggling to comprehend the changes that had occurred within his heart, drawing power from a source that he could not quite grasp, channelling the essence of his new, and unwanted destiny. His form started to emit a soft glow, as his body began to adjust to his will.
He began to slow down, as he manipulated the air around him, his descent, while still rapid, started to lessen, with slow, precise and small moves, their forms now finally moving with a grace, as they both floated through the air, their bodies, as they were now starting to respond to their power, drifting closer to the planet's surface, their speed slowing down with each passing moment. His quick and effortless display was an impressive feat, and Blizzard could not help but feel a surge of admiration. He had never expected him to be so capable of managing so quickly under such high levels of stress.
The vast jungle below expanded in their vision, as it became more and more clear, its towering trees, and lush foliage stretched out as far as the eye could see, its form offering a new kind of terror, that was slowly starting to replace their initial shock, and the view made Blizzard's heart sink. He was about to land. He was about to face the unknown and everything that may lay within it. They were still several kilometers away from the solid ground, yet, their controlled descent, now allowed them both to carefully survey their surroundings, taking in the raw beauty, and the unsettling silence of this new and unknown realm. It was beautiful, yet his instincts told him that something was very wrong, and it was merely a matter of time before that sense of dread was to be completely verified.
As they finally touched down on the solid surface of the Giant Jungle, Blizzard let out a low whistle, unable to contain a growing sense of amazement and a subtle feeling of relief that he was back on solid ground, his feet firmly planted on something tangible, something that would not suddenly dissolve beneath him.
The scent of unfamiliar flora, and the sounds of a world that was both familiar and alien, were now enveloping them, creating a powerful and disquieting atmosphere, that was as intriguing as it was concerning. All of his senses were on high alert, yet, he could not contain the excitement, the rush of adrenaline was now coursing through his veins, as he tried to absorb every single detail, with a sense of overwhelming curiosity.
William: So... this... this is a Locked World? It's... incredible.
His tone was a mixture of awe and incredulity, his gaze sweeping across the vast landscape, trying to absorb the sheer scale of the situation, his voice was a plea to understand what exactly had happened to their world, to their universe, and if, perhaps, they could have done something to avoid all of that pain.
Blizzard chuckled softly, scratching the back of his head as he tried to suppress the growing feeling of unease that was slowly taking root in his mind. He knew that William was right, it was hard to fully accept all of this as being a reality, yet, they were living it, and for better or for worse, they had to accept the circumstances, and prepare for what was to come.
Blizzard: To be honest... I'm not an expert on the subject, not like Yen-Sid. But yes, I know that they can be quite diverse, with their own unique features. And different laws.
He paused for a moment, his gaze focusing on the towering trees, their leaves shimmering with an unfamiliar glow, their branches forming a canopy that seemed to stretch for miles into the endless sky.
Chirithy: While some of them may bear similarities to your homeworld, or other familiar places that might be present in your fractured memories, all of these realms exist as separate entities, often governed by their own laws of nature and magic. But, let's stay focused.
Chirithy's form shimmered as it materialized beside them, its voice calm and authoritative, trying to refocus them both, its sapphire eyes darting across their faces, scrutinizing their expressions, carefully analyzing if they had managed to internalize its warnings.
William nodded slowly, his form tensed as he tried to absorb the information, his head lowered as he finally tried to center himself and suppress the growing panic that threatened to take hold of his mind, yet his gaze remained locked on Blizzard.
William: Thank you for explaining, I suppose.
As Blizzard, William, and Chirithy were engrossed in their assessment of this locked world, their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the abrupt and unexpected appearance of a man, clad in a full military camouflage outfit, and sporting a bulky oxygen mask, as his form, hidden by the lush foliage, moved with an unnerving stealth. He suddenly appeared from the bushes behind them, and he quickly raised his right arm, pointing a dark, and old looking M1911A1 directly at their backs.
His posture was tense, his body ready to react at a moment's notice, his voice muffled behind the mask, yet carrying a tone of authority, and menace, a low, almost guttural growl that could make anyone's skin crawl in fear.
Masked Man: Hold it right there!
The atmosphere was suddenly thick with tension as Blizzard and William instinctively raised their hands in a gesture of surrender, their bodies still, their movements almost robotic, as they acknowledged the danger they were now facing.
Before they could respond, the man, with deliberate and almost theatrical movements, slowly removed the mask from his face, his jaw muscles tightening as his teeth gritted, revealing a pale face with a pair of intense blue eyes, and a distinct, short brown haircut.
William's jaw dropped, his mouth agape, as his mind struggled to comprehend what his eyes were seeing, his expression shifted into a mixture of disbelief and a sudden surge of fanboyish excitement as he stared at the face of the man that was now pointing a gun directly at them.
William: No way...
His voice was barely audible, tinged with a disbelief that was borderline worship, as his mind struggled to accept the sheer absurdity of what was happening, his voice trembling. He could barely hold himself together.
William: Are we...?
He was completely lost, his voice a mix of confusion and growing wonder, as he looked at the man, his lips now trembling as he struggled to contain his own emotions.
The man looked perplexed, his brow furrowed as he struggled to comprehend their references, his training and experience completely useless against the absurdity of the situation.
Blizzard: William? What are you even talking about?
His voice was strained, a mixture of confusion and a strange, almost dawning sense of unease, his mind trying to make sense of the almost idolizing stare that William had suddenly started to adopt.
William: It's him, it has to be! I cannot believe it! We are... we are in Metal Gear Solid 3! That's him! How is this even possible?
He seemed to be lost for words, his hands now trembling as he stared, completely fixated on his target, that single figure that had captured the entirety of his attention.
Naked Snake: I have no idea what you're referring to.
His voice was cold and calculating, devoid of any emotion, save a subtle hint of a growing frustration as his hand remained fixed on his weapon, his mind struggling to process this new, utterly nonsensical, and highly confusing situation.
Still processing the surreal encounter, Snake reached for his radio and began speaking.
Naked Snake: Zero, this is Snake. I've encountered some unexpected individuals here. They don't seem to be soldiers, possibly civilians. I'm unsure of the situation. I need further instructions.
His words were cut short as he focused his gaze on William, a mix of concern and a subtle warning as his eyes widened. And his hand tightened around the handle of the M1911, ready to unleash its full force if they were to try anything even remotely suspicious.
And those words, were all that William needed. To fully grasp that, this was not a dream. That Snake was real, and that the world he was living, was a place that he had previously dismissed as something that existed only in the realm of fantasy.
This, was it. He was in 1964. He was about to meet the hero of his games, the legend of Big Boss in his early days. And this time, he would be more than simply a spectator.
Blizzard stood in silence, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of this surreal, and impossible encounter, his gaze shifting from the imposing form of Snake, to the face of William, the young man who had seemingly become obsessed with this strange, and rather dangerous, situation, and a sense of understanding finally settled in his heart, even if it was as terrifying as it was unbelievable.
Welcome to Tselinoyarsk.