End of Sea - Realm of Darkness
The End of Sea stretched endlessly in the Realm of Darkness, a place where time seemed to ebb and flow like the tide. A twilight sky, perpetually caught between dusk and night, hung over a vast ocean of black water, its surface unnaturally still, reflecting the darkened heavens like a mirror. The air was heavy with a silence that seemed to swallow all sound, broken only by the occasional soft lapping of the inky waves against the shore. The ground beneath the water's edge was a beach of midnight sand, shimmering faintly under the pale, ghostly glow of a distant moon that never rose higher.
This place was neither alive nor dead—it was a liminal space, where shadows gathered and memories faded like mist. Here, at the very edge of the world, the lines between light and dark blurred into nothingness.
Atop a smooth, weather-worn rock that overlooked the vast, dark ocean, sat a figure dressed in a long, black coat. His hood was pulled low, casting his face in shadow, but his presence was undeniable—a stillness that radiated from him, as though he belonged to the void that surrounded them. He stared out over the sea, lost in its infinite expanse.
A moment later, the stillness was broken by a soft sound—like the rustle of air being displaced. A portal of darkness opened, swirling like a wound in reality. From it stepped another figure, similarly cloaked in black. His boots sank into the dark sand as he walked forward, his steps slow and deliberate.
The seated figure didn't move. He remained motionless, watching the endless horizon as the newcomer approached.
"You've arrived," the seated figure said, his voice low and calm, barely louder than the murmur of the sea. "I've been to see him... He looks a lot like you."
The standing figure stopped in his tracks, taken aback by the cryptic statement. He stared at the man on the rock, his mind racing to understand the meaning behind the words.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice steady but carrying a hint of unease. He took a few steps closer, his curiosity pushing him forward.
The seated figure finally stirred, turning slightly to acknowledge the other's presence. His gaze, though still hidden beneath his hood, seemed to carry an unfathomable depth, as if he had seen far more than this realm or any other.
"I'm what's left," the seated figure replied, his words hanging in the air like a riddle. "Or... maybe I'm all there ever was."
"I meant your name," the standing figure pressed, his tone sharper now, seeking clarity.
The seated man tilted his head slightly, as if pondering the question, before answering in the same cryptic tone.
"My name is of no importance."
He shifted, finally standing from the rock, his coat fluttering lightly in the faint breeze. He turned to face the other figure fully now, the shadows from his hood concealing most of his face.
"What about you?" Do you remember your true name?"
The other figure froze, the question cutting through him like a blade.
"My true name…is…"
But before he could finish, the world seemed to shift. Darkness closed in, and the shore, the sea, the sky—all of it blurred into shadow. Visions, not his own, flashed before his eyes.
The world around them blurred, and suddenly, the vast expanse of the End of Sea was replaced by the familiar warmth of a distant shore.
A girl's voice echoed softly through the void, familiar and distant.
"Sora…"
Suddenly, he was there—on a warm beach, the sun high above, casting golden light across the sand. The sound of gentle waves crashing against the shore filled the air. The boy blinked, rubbing his eyes as he sat up, his body relaxed by the warmth of the day.
"Whoa!" he exclaimed, startled as he sat up.
The girl giggled, standing above him, her eyes bright with amusement.
"Give me a break, Kai-!"
But the scene shifted.
Now he was racing down the beach, the wind whipping through his hair, the sound of laughter ringing in his ears. Ahead of him, a boy with silver hair glanced back with a teasing grin, his pace steady and unyielding.
"Giving up already?" the silver-haired boy taunted.
In an instant, the world around him changed again. The three of them—himself, the girl, and the boy with silver hair—stood side by side, gazing out over the endless ocean at twilight. The sun dipped low, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, their shadows stretching out across the sand.
"If there are any other worlds out there…" the silver-haired boy mused, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Why did we end up on this one?"
Another flash. Another memory. A cave, hidden away from the rest of the world. His hand reached out, tracing the lines of a chalk drawing etched into the stone wall—two faces, his and hers, connected by a simple line. It was a child's sketch, but it held a deeper meaning.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the cave.
"This world has been connected."
The voice was different this time—unfamiliar, dark, and unsettling. The boy spun around, eyes wide, scanning the shadows.
"Wh-who's there?" he called out, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Tied to the darkness…"
The scene shifted once more. He and the girl were now sitting together on a wooden dock, their feet dangling just above the water's surface. The ocean lapped gently against the posts, its rhythmic sound calming in the fading light.
"Sora, don't ever change." Her voice was soft, almost pleading, as she looked at him with gentle eyes.
But the darkness was creeping closer now. The silver-haired boy appeared once again, standing before him, hand extended, his eyes gleaming with a strange, knowing light.
"The door has opened…" he said, his words a mixture of promise and warning.
Sora reached out, desperate to take his hand, but before their fingers could meet, darkness erupted from the ground, a surge of shadow that swallowed everything between them, pulling him away.
"What?" Sora gasped, confusion and fear flooding his senses.
The darkness surged again, and this time, a towering figure emerged from the shadows—a creature of pure malice, its eyes glowing with an eerie light. Tendrils of darkness swirled around it, reaching out like claws.
"You understand nothing."
The voice returned, cold and menacing, as the creature loomed over him. Sora stood his ground, fear and determination warring within him as the darkness closed in.
Another flash. Another moment. The cave, the Secret Place. The girl stood before a door, its surface ancient and foreboding. Without warning, the door blasted open, a gust of wind pulling her toward the swirling void beyond.
Sora lunged forward, desperate to catch her, to pull her to safety.
"So…ra…" her voice was faint, barely a whisper, as she vanished before his eyes, slipping through his grasp.
The force of the blast threw him backward, sending him spiraling out of the cave, out into the endless swirl of darkness.
And then… silence.
A soft glow replaced the shadows as morning light crept through a window, casting pale rays across the simple room. A boy stirred, sitting up in bed and blinking groggily. His hand rose to his head, brushing back his blond hair as a quiet sigh escaped him.
"Another dream... about him..." he muttered, the words lingering in the stillness.
Pushing aside the haze of sleep, he moved to the window and pushed it open, allowing the cool morning air to spill into the room. The distant chime of bells echoed, the soft sound drifting through the seemingly quiet town.
For a moment, he watched, gazing out over the rooftops. The streets below were peaceful, bathed in the early morning light, but his thoughts were far from still. The bells chimed once more, pulling him back to the present.
"Not many days left of summer vacation," he said to himself, the faintest hint of reluctance in his voice. "Better head out and see what the plans are for today."
With that, he turned from the window, ready to step into the day, though a lingering sense of unease from the dream remained, hovering just at the edges of his mind.
The First Day
A few hours later, the blond-haired boy found himself sitting with his friends in the shadows of their hideaway, a small nook tucked away from the bustling streets of Twilight Town. This was the Usual Spot—a forgotten corner near the tram common where they could escape the rest of the world. The soft murmur of distant voices and the clatter of trains passing in the distance provided a familiar backdrop to their conversations.
Across from him, a boy with a rough, confident air stood, leaning forward with a scowl on his face. He crossed his arms as he spoke, clearly frustrated.
"Man, doesn't that tick you off?" he muttered, his voice laced with irritation.
Next to him, another boy—rounder in stature, with a more easygoing vibe—nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it's just wrong," he said, his tone more bewildered than angry.
Sitting nearby, a small rabbit looked troubled. Beside her, a small blue creature with tiny wings fluttered nervously, mimicking the rabbit's mood.
"And mean…" the rabbit added quietly, her soft voice full of concern.
The other girl in the group, with brown hair and a warm smile, chimed in, her expression clouded.
"Seifer's gone too far this time," she said, shaking her head.
The group's attention turned toward the blond-haired boy, who had been staring off into the distance, lost in thought. He nodded absently, but his mind was elsewhere.
"Roxas, you okay?" the girl asked, her voice gentle but curious.
Roxas blinked and sat up straighter, shaking off the haze of his thoughts.
"Sorry," he said with a faint smile. "Tiredness catching up with me, I guess."
The heavier boy—still focused on their earlier topic—raised an eyebrow.
"Well, we've got bigger problems than you being sleepy," he said. "Things are going missing all over town!"
"Yeah, and we've got a score to settle with Seifer, too," the first boy added, his arms still crossed. "If he thinks we did it, I can't really blame him…"
"What do you mean, Hayner?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.
The small blue creature beside her echoed in its high-pitched voice.
"Chao Chao?"
Hayner leaned forward, waving a hand dismissively.
"See, Cream, Cheese, that's not really what bugs me about all this," he admitted.
"It's not?" the rounder boy asked, looking confused.
"No, Pence," he clarified, his voice rising with frustration. "What really bugs me is that Seifer's going around telling everyone we're the thieves! Now the whole town—and their mothers—are treating us like the Klepto Club."
"My mother doesn't think we did it," Cream said softly, glancing to the little blue creature beside her. "Isn't that right, Cheese?"
"Chao!" Cheese agreed, fluttering excitedly.
The brown-haired girl smiled warmly, her tone lighter now.
"Well, that's a start," she said, relief evident in her voice. "We're glad Vanilla is on our side."
"Thank you, Olette," Cream replied with a gentle nod, her small companion, Cheese, fluttering beside her.
But Hayner, still tense with frustration, wasn't ready to drop the subject.
"The question is, what are we gonna do to get the rest of the town back on our side?" he asked, throwing his arms up in exasperation.
Olette glanced at Roxas, her eyes full of expectation. Feeling the weight of their gazes, Roxas shrugged, clearly put on the spot.
"Uh, well…" he began, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "We could find the real thieves. That'd clear our names."
Pence perked up at the suggestion, his face brightening.
"Hey, that sounds fun!" he said, clearly entertained by the idea of an adventure.
However, Hayner wasn't convinced just yet. He crossed his arms tightly, his expression skeptical.
"What about Seifer and his crew?" he asked, his tone more cautious.
Roxas stood, shrugging again as he tried to think through the situation.
"First, we clear our names," he replied, more confidently now. "Once we find the real culprit, everyone will get off our backs."
The group exchanged glances. Olette and Cream seemed to consider the idea, while Cheese fluttered next to Cream, chirping with excitement. Before anyone could respond, Pence suddenly let out a startled cry, his eyes wide with alarm.
"Oh no!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic. "They're gone!"
Everyone turned to look at Pence, who now appeared shaken, as if something important had been stolen from him.
"What's gone?" Hayner asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Our - - - - - - are gone!" Pence stammered, struggling to even form the missing word. He touched his throat, bewildered, as if something was physically preventing him from speaking.
"All our - - - - - - are gone?" Hayner repeated, confusion spreading across his face as he too found himself unable to say the word. He held his hand to his throat, his disbelief growing.
"Wait… you guys can't say… - - - - - ?" Olette asked, her eyebrows furrowing. But as she tried to speak the word, her face twisted in surprise—she couldn't say it either.
"Oh dear…" Cream said softly, her ears drooping. "Someone has stolen that word too."
"Chao chao…" Cheese echoed, fluttering worriedly beside her.
"Cream's right," Roxas affirmed, his expression tightening with concern. "Someone has stolen that word. We need to find this thief."
Hayner shook his head, running a hand through his hair.
"What kind of thief is that?" he muttered. "Even Seifer couldn't pull something like this off."
Pence, still determined, clenched his fists.
"Let's get going. Time for some recon!" he said with renewed energy.
"Right, let's go!" Olette added, her resolve clear.
With that, Hayner, Pence, Olette, and Cream darted out of the Usual Spot, ready to begin their search. Cheese fluttered alongside Cream as they hurried off. Roxas started to follow but stopped abruptly as a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him.
"What the…?" Roxas muttered, stumbling slightly as his vision blurred.
His balance gave out, and he collapsed, blacking out.
"His heart is returning. Doubtless he'll awaken very soon…"
Moments later, Roxas stirred, blinking as his senses returned. He stood up slowly, dusting himself off and trying to shake off the lingering confusion.
"What was that about?" he muttered to himself, still unsettled.
Just then, Olette rushed back into the Usual Spot, her expression urgent.
"Come on, Roxas!" she called out, eager to find the thief.
Without waiting for a response, she darted out of the hideaway again. Roxas shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs that lingered in his mind.
"Right…" he muttered under his breath, determined to catch up. "No time to lose."
With that, he stepped out of the Usual Spot, running to join his friends. They needed to clear their names—and fast.
The Search Begins...
Roxas caught up with the group at Market Street, where a tram rolled slowly through the Tram Common. The familiar clattering of wheels over tracks echoed in the warm afternoon air.
"Took you long enough," Hayner remarked, crossing his arms as he turned to Roxas.
"Sorry, but I'm here now," Roxas replied, nodding as he caught his breath.
"Let's get this investigation underway," Pence said, gesturing toward the nearby Accessory Shop.
The group moved toward the shop, its front lined with trinkets and wares, where the shopkeeper stood behind a large wooden counter. Hayner nudged Roxas forward with a sly grin.
"Go on, Roxas, ask her…" Hayner urged, stepping back.
Roxas approached the counter, where the shop owner gave him a sharp glance.
"Oh, Roxas," she said, disappointment clear in her tone. "I'm very disappointed in you. You used to be one of my favorite customers."
"I'm not the thief!" Roxas exclaimed, his voice firm. "And neither are my friends."
The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow but said nothing for a moment, clearly skeptical.
"Okay…" she finally muttered, her voice tinged with doubt.
"It's not fun having everyone suspecting me and my friends," Roxas added, trying to keep his frustration in check.
"Well," the shopkeeper said, her tone softening slightly, "you'll have to find a way to clear your name. Folks around town are disappointed in all of you."
Before Roxas could respond, a deep, slow voice interrupted the tension.
"Uh… hi, Roxas."
Roxas turned, and so did the rest of the group. Standing there was a large purple cat with a round belly and soft fur, towering over them with a gentle, yet worried expression.
"Oh, hi, Big," Roxas greeted him, recognising the gentle giant.
Big, a quiet and easygoing cat, was known for his kind nature, despite his towering size. His large eyes showed concern as he stepped forward, scratching his head with his free hand.
"Say, have you guys seen Froggie?" Big asked, his deep voice slow and slightly forlorn.
The mention of Froggie caused Cream's ears to perk up.
"Oh no!" she said, her voice filled with worry. "Has Froggie been stolen too?"
"Chao?" Cheese chirped, flapping his tiny wings beside her.
Big sighed, shaking his head slowly.
"I don't know…" he admitted. "He was with me by the candy shop not too long ago. Now he's gone."
The shopkeeper, having listened to the conversation, leaned over the counter thoughtfully.
"Why don't you kids help Big find Froggie?" she suggested, a hint of kindness returning to her voice. "It'd be a good way to start clearing your names."
Hayner rubbed his chin, nodding in agreement.
"That's not a bad idea," he mused.
"I agree," Olette added with a smile. "It's a good start."
"Come on Big," Roxas said, looking to the gentle giant. "Let's retrace your steps and see if we can find him."
"Oh ok," Big remarked. "Thanks Roxas."
Big turned and began to walk off in the direction of the Candy Shop. The group followed, eager to help their friend and take one step to clearing their name.
As they reached the candy shop, Big slowed, his large features furrowed in confusion as he scanned the familiar area.
"Froggie…" he called out, his deep voice echoing through the quiet market square. "Where are you?"
The group spread out, searching for any signs of the missing frog. Just as they began to fan out, Roxas's eyes caught a small movement near a bench. A small, green frog was perched there, its wide eyes blinking slowly as it hopped onto the counter of a nearby store.
"Froggie!" Roxas exclaimed, walking over and gently scooping the frog up in his hands. He turned back toward Big with a relieved smile.
"I found him!"
Big's eyes lit up with gratitude as Roxas approached.
"Froggie! he said, taking his tiny companion from Roxas's hands and placing him safely on his shoulder. "Thank you, Roxas!"
Roxas wiped his hands and looked up at Big.
"Did the thief take anything else from you, Big?" he questioned.
Big blinked slowly, his mind turning over the question.
"A thief?" he asked, his voice heavy with confusion.
"Yes, Big, someone's been stealing things all over town," Cream explained softly, walking up to him with a concerned look.
"We thought they might've stolen Froggie too, but we found him just in time," Pence added.
Big scratched his head, nodding as the realisation dawned on him.
"Oh… yeah, I remember now," he muttered. "There was something important…"
"Something important?" Roxas replied.
Big looked down, as if searching for the right words.
"Yeah, they took my - - - - - " He paused, trying to say the word, but it came out as nothing but silence. His brow furrowed. "- - - - - , uh… huh?" He looked even more confused now.
Hayner crossed his arms, frowning.
"Looks like the culprit's not just stealing things… but they're stealing the word itself, too!"
"This isn't your average thief," Pence added, shaking his head in disbelief.
Olette tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"I wonder if Seifer would know anything about this…" she mused aloud.
Roxas nodded in agreement, "Good idea. We've gotta go talk to him and see what he knows. Let's head to the Sandlot."
"Thanks again, everyone," Big said with his usual gentle tone. "Good luck with… uh, finding the thief!"
"Bye, Big!" Cream waved, and Cheese gave a cheerful chirp beside her.
"Chao chao!"
The group turned and headed toward the Sandlot, leaving Big and Froggie behind as they prepared for the next step in their investigation.
Sandlot
The group ran to the Sandlot, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the surrounding walls. As they arrived, they spotted a group standing near the center—Vivi, Rai, and Fuu, along with three more figures: Jet the Hawk, Wave the Sparrow, and Storm the Albatross.
Vivi was the first to notice them, pausing and turning to face the newcomers. The rest of the group followed his gaze, their expressions hardening.
"Well, well, look who it is," Jet said, his sharp eyes narrowing as a smirk tugged at the corner of his beak.
"Thieves," Fuu muttered coldly, her arms crossed as she glared at Roxas and his friends.
Wave folded her arms, tossing her head back with an air of superiority.
"What, coming here to steal from us now, are you?" she sneered.
"That was low, y'know," Rai added, crossing his arms with a huff.
"Yeah, you said it!" Storm echoed, his deep voice slow and lumbering, but filled with confidence.
Vivi shook his head, his oversized hat flopping slightly as if in disbelief at the situation.
Hayner, fists clenched at his sides, stepped forward.
"Oh yeah?" he said with frustration.
Before the tension could rise any further, Seifer appeared, strolling in with his usual swagger, a cocky grin plastered across his face.
"Nice comeback there, blondie," Seifer said with a laugh, his arms crossed as he surveyed the group.
"What'd you say!?" Hayner snapped back, his face twisting with annoyance.
Jet stepped up, his sharp grin never fading.
"You heard Seifer. Now give us back the - - - - - you stole!" the hawk demanded.
"Yeah," Storm rumbled, cracking his knuckles for emphasis.
"Y'know!" Rai added, always quick to agree with the others.
Seifer scoffed, stepping closer with a sneer.
"That was undeniable proof that we totally owned you lamers. So what did you do? Burn it? Ha! Not that we need some - to prove you're losers."
"Replay," Fuu said curtly, her eyes narrowing.
Seifer chuckled darkly.
"Now you're talking!" His voice dripped with arrogance as he gestured to his crew.
The group—Seifer, Jet, Wave, Storm, Vivi, Fuu, and Rai—all took a step forward, their postures shifting into aggressive stances, ready for a fight. Hayner mirrored them, stepping up beside his friends, his body tense, eyes sharp. The confrontation was about to reach its peak.
Seifer's smirk widened as he casually tossed out a taunt.
"I guess if you get on your knees and beg, maybe I'll let it slide." His voice dripped with arrogance.
The gang erupted in laughter, Jet's sharp cackle cutting through the noise. Wave and Storm shared knowing smirks, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Roxas, standing a few steps behind his friends, took a small step forward, as though considering Seifer's offer. His gaze flickered toward something just ahead.
"Roxas?" Cream asked, her ears twitching with confusion.
"Chao Chao…" Cheese added, sensing something was about to happen.
"Roxas, no!" Hayner shouted, catching onto his friend's movement.
But Roxas was already in motion. His eyes had locked onto something nearby—struggle weapons, scattered across the ground just a few feet away. Without hesitation, he dashed over, his hand wrapping around the hilt of a long battle sword with a sturdy handle. In one fluid motion, he jumped back, gripping the weapon tightly, his stance now prepared for the confrontation.
The laughter died down instantly. Seifer's smug grin faltered, surprise flickering across his face. The others stood frozen for a moment, taken aback by Roxas's sudden defiance.
"So, you want to fight, huh?" Seifer's voice took on a more serious tone.
Jet stepped up, his eyes narrowing with excitement as he handed Seifer a struggle bat, a blunt, heavy weapon designed for delivering hard hits.
"Mess him up, Seifer," Jet said, his grin returning. "Show him what happens when someone crosses us."
"Yeah," Wave added, her voice laced with sarcasm and malice. "Make him regret thinking he could take anything from us."
The ground seemed to tremble slightly as Storm lumbered forward, his hulking frame casting a long shadow over the Sandlot.
"He's gonna be real sorry he messed with us," Storm growled.
Roxas stood firm, gripping the handle of his battle sword tightly. His eyes locked onto Seifer, determination radiating from him. The others watched in tense silence, the weight of the moment pressing down as both sides braced for the inevitable clash.
Seifer rolled his shoulders, his grin returning.
"Get ready, loser," he muttered, his voice low as he adjusted his grip on the struggle bat, stepping forward into a fighting stance. "This won't take long."
Seifer
Battle Music: Sinister Sundown - Kingdom Hearts II.5 HD ReMix
Seifer twirled his struggle bat, a smug grin on his face.
"Kneel, loser!" he taunted, charging forward with all the arrogance of someone who'd already decided the match was his.
But Roxas wasn't having it.
"Roxas, focus!" Pence shouted from the sidelines.
Roxas nodded, sidestepping Seifer's first wild swing with ease. As Seifer spun around, Roxas was already moving, delivering a quick jab to Seifer's side, causing him to stumble. The crowd gasped in surprise.
"What the—? Come on… quit playin' around and fight!" Seifer growled, annoyed.
Roxas didn't answer, his grin widening. With swift, fluid movements, he launched into a combo of quick strikes—one, two, three! The battle sword connected with Seifer's torso, then his arm, followed by a final upward swing that sent Seifer reeling backward.
Seifer tried to regain his balance, but Roxas wasn't letting up. He danced around Seifer, dodging his sluggish swings and countering with graceful strikes that kept Seifer on the defensive. A solid hit to the shoulder made Seifer lose grip on his struggle bat for a second.
Roxas took the opportunity, charging in with a powerful overhead strike that landed with a satisfying thwack! Seifer stumbled, his legs giving way, and he collapsed onto his backside with an unceremonious thud.
Glaring up at Roxas, Seifer's face flushed with embarrassment.
"This… isn't over," he muttered through clenched teeth.
"Looks pretty over to me," Roxas quipped, earning a cheer from his friends.
Seifer grumbled.
"Yeah? Or maybe you just need some practice," Roxas shot back, his grin growing wider.
Rai and Fuu rushed forward as Seifer struggled to his feet, his face flushed with embarrassment. Jet, Wave, and Storm stepped up beside them, forming a protective barrier around their leader.
"Seifer's not feelin' so hot, y'know!" Rai shouted, standing defensively by Seifer's side.
Jet crossed his arms, sneering at Roxas and his friends.
"We'll see you losers at the tournament!" he declared, his tone dripping with arrogance.
"Tournament decides," Fuu added curtly, her gaze sharp and unwavering.
The group turned to leave, but Vivi, with his short legs, struggled to keep up, moving as quickly as he could. Storm lumbered away, his heavy footsteps echoing through the Sandlot, his hulking frame barely keeping pace with the others.
"Good job, Roxas," Hayner said proudly.
"That was some sweet offense," Olette added with a grin, clearly impressed.
Pence pulled out his camera, beaming with excitement.
"Hold still!" he said, lining up a shot before snapping a quick picture of Roxas.
"Wait, you had your camera this whole time?" Roxas asked, blinking in surprise.
Pence chuckled, giving Roxas a thumbs-up.
"Gotta be prepared," he admitted.
Before Roxas could respond, a strange, slender white creature appeared—its body fluid and unnatural. In the blink of an eye, the creature snatched the camera from Pence's hands and slinked toward Market Street: Tram Common.
"What was that!?" Hayner shouted, eyes wide.
"The thief!" Olette cried out.
"And it's got Pence's camera!" Cream added, holding Cheese tightly.
"Chao Chao!" Cheese squeaked in alarm.
Without hesitation, Roxas bolted after the creature racing through to Market Street, with the struggle weapon still clutched in his hand. The creature—unlike anything they'd ever seen—darted through the hole in the wall leading to the forest, its eerie movements almost like a dance, taunting Roxas to follow.
Roxas kept pace, his breath steady as he chased the thief through the woods. Soon, he found himself at the edge of the forest, standing before an old, derelict mansion. The creature, a Dusk, stopped, its body twitching unnervingly as it waited for him.
Roxas slowed to a halt, narrowing his eyes. As he stared at the strange being, a dark, unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind.
"We have come for you…"
"Huh?" Roxas muttered, confusion clouding his thoughts.
The Dusk's zipper-like mouth opened wide, its body shifting aggressively as it prepared to attack. Roxas instinctively lunged forward, swinging his struggle weapon. But the blow barely fazed the creature—it didn't even flinch.
"It's no use…" Roxas muttered in frustration, stepping back.
Suddenly, the struggle sword in his hand began to glow, particles of light swirling around it, transforming before his eyes. Roxas gasped as the weapon morphed into something entirely different—something powerful.
In his hands was the Keyblade.
"What… what is this?" Roxas murmured, staring at the key shaped weapon in awe.
His gaze flicked from the Keyblade to the Dusk, a renewed sense of determination filling his chest. Without hesitation, Roxas charged at the creature, slashing with the newfound weapon. This time, the Keyblade cut through the Dusk effortlessly, and the creature dissolved into nothingness.
As the Dusk vanished, a small bundle dropped to the ground—scattered photos, and Pence's camera.
The Keyblade disappeared just as quickly as it had come, leaving Roxas standing there, dazed but victorious. He knelt down, picking up the photos and camera, his mind racing with questions he couldn't answer.
"I need to find the others," Roxas whispered to himself, glancing back toward the woods, uncertainty lingering in the air.
Later at the Usual Spot...
Roxas returned to the group's hangout, with the photos and camera safely back in Pence's hands. The group gathered around, looking through the pictures the Dusk had left behind.
"What's this one?" Hayner asked, holding up a picture of Roxas standing in front of the Accessory Shop, the shopkeeper smiling from behind the counter.
"Oh, I was her first customer after she took over the shop. So we took a picture together," Roxas explained, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
"That's really lovely," Cream said sweetly, her warm tone matched by Cheese fluttering beside her.
"Chao Chao!" Cheese added cheerfully.
"Cream and Cheese are right, this is a really nice photo," Olette chimed in, smiling—though her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh…"
"Hey! You just said 'photo'!" Pence remarked with a grin.
"Looks like that mystery is solved," Hayner added, turning his gaze from the picture to Roxas. "So, Roxas, what can you tell us about the picture thief?"
Roxas shrugged, shaking his head.
"Not much to say. The pictures were just lying there," he admitted.
"Then how do we prove we weren't the ones who took 'em?" Hayner's tone became more serious as he considered the situation.
The group fell silent, pondering the question. Pence, flipping through the photos, held up another one—this time of Roxas with a girl.
"It's a girl," Pence teased, flashing the picture at Roxas.
"You look happy, Roxas" Olette added, smirking.
"Do not…" Roxas mumbled sheepishly, his face reddening.
"It's a nice picture, though," Cream remarked sweetly.
"Chao…" Cheese agreed, fluttering beside her.
Pence scratched his chin, suddenly thoughtful.
"So, anyone else notice that all the stolen pictures are of Roxas?" he questioned to the group.
Olette gasped slightly, realisation dawning on her.
"Oh, so that's why everyone thought it was us," she mused.
"That makes sense," Cream nodded, with Cheese bobbing up and down in agreement.
"So… Seifer didn't go around accusing us after all?" Hayner mused, crossing his arms.
"Guess not," Pence replied.
Roxas paused, a look of confusion crossing his face.
"Wait... Are they really all of me?" he asked.
"Yep," Pence confirmed, holding up another photo—this one showing Big with Froggie, and Roxas standing beside them, smiling awkwardly.
He flipped to the next image, revealing Roxas near Seifer's gang in the Sandlot, the tension evident even in the still frame.
Finally, Pence held up the last photo, a large group shot of all of them together—Roxas, Hayner, Olette, Pence, Cream, and Cheese—smiling and relaxed, frozen in a moment of friendship.
"Look," Pence pointed out. "Every single one. Wouldn't it be weird if the thief wanted to steal the real Roxas or something?"
"Oh my, that would be terrible," Cream admitted, her eyes widening in concern.
"Chao…" Cheese echoed in agreement.
"C'mon, get serious," Hayner interjected. "Why would anyone wanna steal a bonehead like Roxas?"
"Oh, thanks," Roxas muttered, rolling his eyes, though he couldn't help but smile.
The group erupted in laughter, the tension from the day finally easing. But the lighthearted moment was interrupted by the ringing of the train station bells in the distance.
"We need to get home, Cheese," Cream said, turning to her Chao companion. "Mother will be worried if we're late."
"Chao!" Cheese chirped.
"Yeah, it's time for me to head home too," Pence agreed. "Man, what a crazy day!"
"You said it," Olette added with a nod.
The group began to disperse. Hayner, Pence, Cream, Cheese, and Olette waved as they left the Usual Spot, disappearing through the narrow gap between the buildings. Roxas lingered behind for a moment, letting the quiet settle in around him as he reflected on the strange events of the day.
"What a crazy day…" Roxas muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. "And that key sword thing… What was that all about? Plus, that creature…" He frowned, remembering the Dusk's fluid, eerie movements. "Questions for another day, I guess."
Eventually, Roxas stepped out of the hideaway, into the bright, late afternoon sunlight. He raised his hand to shield his eyes, squinting at the sky, feeling the warmth on his skin. Just as he was about to move on, a voice—distant and unfamiliar—echoed in his mind.
"Where… am I?" the voice asked, confused and lost.
Roxas froze in his tracks, his heart skipping a beat.
"Who's there?" he called out, glancing around but seeing no one.
The voice returned, more curious now.
"Who… are you?"
Roxas stood still, eyes wide, his mind racing. The voice faded into silence, leaving him feeling confused and unsettled. More questions… and no answers.
Restoration at 12%.
Meanwhile...
In a dimly lit room, the glow of multiple screens bathed the space in a cold, artificial light. Seated at a cluttered computer desk was a man, his face mostly obscured by red bandages. Only one intense eye remained visible, flickering with focus as it darted across the monitors. The soft hum of machinery filled the room, broken only by the sound of approaching footsteps.
A figure in a black coat stepped forward, their face concealed in shadow, blending with the darkness.
"Organization miscreants... They've found us," the man in red bandages muttered, his voice low, tinged with frustration and impatience.
The figure in the coat paused, their head tilting slightly in thought.
"But... why would the Nobodies steal photographs?" they asked, confusion coloring their words.
The man scoffed softly, his fingers moving rapidly over the keyboard, the soft clicks echoing in the stillness.
"Both are nothing but data to them," he replied dismissively. "The fools could never tell the difference." His eye narrowed as he glared at the monitors, tension creeping into his voice. "We are running out of time. Naminé must make haste."
A heavy silence filled the room for a moment, broken only by the rhythmic hum of the machines. After a long pause, the man spoke again, his voice quieter, but laced with urgency.
"And... we must invoke our silver protector, to ensure no 'unwanted' guests interfere."
The figure in the coat gave a slight nod before vanishing into the shadows, leaving the man in red alone with his thoughts, his intense eye never leaving the flickering screens. Data streamed across the monitors, a quiet anticipation hanging in the air, as if the machines themselves knew what was coming.
First chapter - The First Day done!
Hope this was a good start to the new story?
I thought it would be cool to add in some Sonic characters to Twilight Town. Cream did mention she was on a world with a big clock tower back in Chain of Generations.
The Second Day will be out in a few days time.
Also a 'silver protector'? Who could that be I wonder?
Thanks for the support. I look forward to more chapters on this story being worked on and released.