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Kingdom Hearts III: The Revival (Working Title)

Discussion in 'Archives' started by Soushirei, Feb 22, 2007.

Page 8 of 12

Erathe Moogle Assistant

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I'm happy. Very happy ^^ A NEW CHAPTER!!! WOOOOT! xD

I should read it first befoer I post ^^;; hahah

I apologise for the non usage of this account. If any one knows how I can delete this and free up some space for you guys, let me know please? Thank you
Erathe, Jul 18, 2007
Erathe, Jul 18, 2007
#141
HOSPITAL STAT! i knock tits

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<__<... I can't believe I waited this long just to have you kill off one of my favorite characters. OW IT HURTS. This whole chapter was PAINFULLY tense and my bloody heart won't stop BEATING LIKE AN AFRICAN DRUM...yeees, I quite like saying that. African drum, african drum...

God's Creation said:

Riku complied with what was requested of him as he leaned to one side, quietly observing the battle that unfolded itself before him. His expression was relaxed, as Riku suddenly felt he somewhat understood what Zack’s intentions were, even if just a little.
Click to expand...

I don't. /:< I'm still dying to know wth's going on.

Which reminds, I drew a Nobody Zack but I shamefully totally forgot about it so I have no idea where I winded up dumping it. Eh.

Anyway, lovely chapter as always, Sushi! Keep up the great work.

(As for the proof-reading thing, I say young lad you should really get yeself a beta. P: I'm not saying your work was drowning in typos, no! I noticed like two, but it'll save you the hassle of having to re-read it over and over and OVER again yourself.)
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 18, 2007
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 18, 2007
#142
Soushirei 運命の欠片

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StupidAquarius said: ↑

<__<... I can't believe I waited this long just to have you kill off one of my favorite characters. OW IT HURTS.
Click to expand...

I'm fully 0 for 3 right now on the reception of Cid in this chapter. XDD

This whole chapter was PAINFULLY tense and my bloody heart won't stop BEATING LIKE AN AFRICAN DRUM...yeees, I quite like saying that. African drum, african drum...
Click to expand...

Drum Machine!

I don't. /:< I'm still dying to know wth's going on.
Click to expand...

I must confess that I've been desperately running away from this side-story, and haven't found the courage to finally complete this mystery. But I will definitely do so within the next two chapters. Some of you may consider the conclusion somewhat anti-climatic (although I will try my best to make it all very sound), but if you all still find yourself unhappy with it, then I'll just have to ask you all to kiss my---

Which reminds, I drew a Nobody Zack but I shamefully totally forgot about it so I have no idea where I winded up dumping it. Eh.
Click to expand...

FIND IT. NOW.

Anyway, lovely chapter as always, Sushi! Keep up the great work.

(As for the proof-reading thing, I say young lad you should really get yeself a beta. P: I'm not saying your work was drowning in typos, no! I noticed like two, but it'll save you the hassle of having to re-read it over and over and OVER again yourself.)
Click to expand...

A beta, huh... hmm. Sounds like it could work, but who to choose? D:
Soushirei, Jul 18, 2007
Soushirei, Jul 18, 2007
#143
HOSPITAL STAT! i knock tits

Joined:

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Location:

hmmm

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Soushirei said: ↑

Drum Machine!
Click to expand...

LOL what the?! That was amusingly random. Thanks. XD

Soushirei said: ↑

FIND IT. NOW.
Click to expand...

I...have no intention of setting foot in that damned room of mine. At least not until that...*spider* I saw there is gone. GONE!

Soushirei said: ↑

A beta, huh... hmm. Sounds like it could work, but who to choose? D:
Click to expand...

I would volunteer, but I'm scared of letting you down.
Though there was this one site I found with a list of betas! But...that was whut, years ago. So no, this comment isn't exactly helping <_>;;;
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 18, 2007
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 18, 2007
#144
Soushirei 運命の欠片

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I finished Chapter 14. Wtf.

-- Chapter Fourteen --

Cid’s very sudden dismissal from the convoy had left quite an impact on each of its travelers as silence claimed the air around them, doing so for the remaining duration of the trip. Such a sullen emotional plague continued until the group finally brought their ships to land on the outskirts of what Roxas confirmed to be the land of the Dreamweavers. Jovial exchanges about the thrilling experience would’ve surely followed once they all regrouped outside their cockpits, but after reaching the safe grounds of the Dreamweaver world only several minutes after Cid’s valiant efforts to sustain their survival—with the sound of the EMP blast still fresh in their memory—there was simply no possible way for anyone to find it within themselves to be positive about their arrival, let alone allow smiles to escape their lips.

A large, mountainous structure stood before them as the group took note of the greenery that littered the floors where they walked, and crawled up the walls of the stony architecture. Drawing closer to the center of the mountain, there existed a narrow passageway located several meters away from Sora and the others’ position, which looked to be a crack in the mountain’s foundation caused by some natural occurrence. Upon closer inspection it became clear that the narrow dark alley was indeed a path toward the interior of the mountain, or whatever lay hidden behind it.

“We should keep moving,” Sora muttered softly as he began trekking forward, attempting to break off from the rest of the group.

Roxas quickly grabbed a hold of the Key Bearer’s wrist just as he passed by. “It’d be better if we stuck together, Sora. There still might be booby-traps along the way.”

Sora clenched his teeth in annoyance, before brushing off Roxas grip. “Fine.”

Yuffie and Leon both sighed dejectedly as they watched the quick exchange between Roxas and Sora; the young brunette sure didn’t make an effort to hide his displeasure about the entire ordeal with Cid. But taking his other insecurities into account, most important of these being the fact that he was now Keyblade-less, it was hard for any of them to really say anything to the blue-eyed protagonist about how he was feeling or what he was thinking.

“I’ll lead,” Roxas announced before turning his attention toward Kairi. “Stay close to me, Princess, we’re almost there.”

Sora couldn’t help but look on sourly as he watched Roxas eagerly take over what he thought was his job—that was, his job as Kairi’s protector; or bodyguard, or anything that involved him making sure she was okay and away from harm. Bitterness began looming over Sora’s thoughts as he soon found himself unable to do anything about the situation. Under normal circumstances, surely Sora would’ve been able to say, “I’ll watch over her, Roxas, don’t worry”, or “That’s okay, Roxas, I got it” with his usual demeanor of confidence. But just as he felt his Keyblade was mercilessly stolen from him, he also felt his confidence was as well, along with his ability to protect Kairi, and his very purpose as the Key Bearer. To say “I’ll protect Kairi” now was a laughable concept, like a mouse promising to protect a lion from its predators. To be Kairi’s protector was now a fleeting concept, an amusing farce at best.

* * *

The way Roxas spoke of the Dreamweavers made it easy for Sora and the others to expect their world to be one that flourished with limitless futuristic appeal. Flying cars, castles built on clouds, beings taking to the sky on glowing wings; all of these fantastical notions were things that many of the Radiant Garden Restoration Committee members thought they would find when they first laid their eyes on the hidden world of the Last Dreamweavers. Instead, they were greeted by the polar opposite—at least, quite the contrary of what they were expecting.

The world of the Dreamweavers resembled more of an abandoned mine, or a civilization hidden deep within the crevices of the earth. While it did possess some charming aesthetics, one of which being the very large cathedral ceiling that extended many miles above from where they stood, a lot of the community’s infrastructure was still quite primitive. Houses seemed to conform to the shape of the cavernous alcoves and indentations in the stone, and the various pathways and corridors that made up the landscape were lit by modest flames from antique oil lanterns, making some areas of the path appear much darker than others. Such light sources gave the underground city a melancholy, yet soothing atmosphere depending on one’s mood or perspective when they first entered. For the five individuals who had traveled far and risked much to make their way to such a place, it was easy for melancholy to gain their affection.

“This… is the land of the Dreamweavers?” Yuffie asked, somewhat confused. “Are you sure we landed in the right world?”

Roxas nodded. “Yes, this is definitely it.”

“But it’s… so archaic,” Yuffie commented. “Leon, did you expect it to look something like this?”

“The way King Mickey spoke of the Dreamweavers, I must say I’m quite surprised myself,” Leon replied.

“You have to remember that the Dreamweavers are people that were constantly forced to renounce their existence and disappear off the face of the multiverse, more than once. Each time their society advanced, or created something new, something powerful, there was always someone else who would eventually yearn for that power, to take it for themselves,” Roxas explained. “After repeatedly watching their intelligence become the source of their own misery, it doesn’t surprise me that they’ve decided to keep their land the way they found it.”

“What’s the point,” Sora added. “… Right?”

Roxas nodded once more. “Right.”

Kairi listened attentively to Roxas’ deductions on the mentality of the Dreamweavers, or what was left of them. While this was only the second time she was told about the Dreamweavers, about who they were and what they stood for, Kairi held a great deal of sympathy for them. Maybe it was because she had Dreamweaver blood flowing through her veins as well, thanks to her half-Dreamweaver father, or maybe it was because a part of her immediately became attached to the vicinity once she stepped foot inside the dark alleyway that led to the spot where she stood now. There was something about the air she breathed, the feel of the rubble and sand underneath her shoes, and the smell of the dusty stone that surrounded her that somehow soothed her senses. It put her at a sense of ease as she quickly became comfortable with the setting around her; it was almost as if… she had been here before.

“We should keep moving,” Roxas broke the silence. “The entrance to the city isn’t that far from here.”

“You mean we’re not in the city yet?” Leon asked.

“Nope,” Roxas chuckled. “Consider this one very large foyer.”

After clearing a few flights of stone staircases, the group finally came across a large clearing. The ceiling was shrouded by darkness, being far too high to be seen by the naked eye. The room itself resembled what they witnessed at the End of the World: a large coliseum tattered and torn by age and time. However, what made this particular sight far more ominous—but at the same time, breathtaking—was that there was no open floor to walk on. Instead, a bottomless pit awaited any individuals who allowed themselves the mistake of deviating away from the safety of the cliffs. There was but a single path to trek—with a width that could support no more than four people side by side—that stretched across the room, allowing defenseless passage across the enormous circular cavity that waited below them.

“This would be the entrance to the city,” Roxas informed the group.

“We have to cross that thing?” Yuffie bit her lip. “It doesn’t even look sturdy! Just what is holding that thing up anyway!”

“You know, I don’t know,” Roxas blinked perplexingly.

“Roxas!”

“It’s okay!” Kairi interrupted as she ran out in front before turning to face her peers.

“Kairi?” Sora asked.

“It’s just a feeling I got,” Kairi turned momentarily to gaze earnestly at the view in front of them. “It’ll be alright… that’s what I think.”

“And there you have it,” Roxas smiled, turning to the others. “Shall we go then?”

Sora locked gazes with Kairi for a moment, finding reassurance in her inspiriting expression. “Right, let’s do it.”

It did take an extra minute or so to finally convince Yuffie to gather her nerve to walk the platform—at the cost of Leon parting with some very valuable materia—but soon after they were well on their way to the entrance of the lost city. They walked in three rows, Roxas leading the way on his own, followed by Sora and Kairi in the middle, then finally Leon and Yuffie bringing up the rear of the group. After flying a ship convoy for several hours with the two Destiny Island teenagers compacted in the middle together, it had probably become a comfortable arrangement that they had all come to accept, even it seemed unlikely that Sora and more importantly, Kairi, needed to be barricaded in the middle of the group as defense against some unforeseen assassination attempt.

“Hey, I see some guards up ahead,” Yuffie spotted two armored soldiers standing stoically at the end of the path. They were each positioned on either side of what looked to be a large burgundy coloured gate, which most definitely led toward the inside of the city.

“What do we do, Roxas?” Kairi asked apprehensively.

“I… have absolutely no idea,” Roxas blinked again, confused. “Say hi? I guess?”

“What!? That’s not funny!” Yuffie snapped from the back. “You have to know what to do!”

“I told you my memory was fuzzy!” Roxas whispered back.

“You navigate us through a ridiculously dangerous cavern, but blank out on a pair of gatekeepers!? I will not stand for this, Roxas!” Yuffie retorted.

“Shh! I’m trying to think!” Roxas hissed.

“Maybe you need to give them a secret password,” Leon thought aloud. “I remember that was pretty popular.”

“Leon… that’s gotta be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard you say,” Yuffie replied.

“What about a hand signal? Or a sequence of body movements?” Leon continued.

“Please, just… stop talking,” Yuffie closed her eyes, irritably.

“Halt! Who goes there!” one of the guards spoke.

“Oh crap, let’s just go,” Yuffie turned to leave before being grabbed by the collar by the nimble hands of Leon.

Roxas held his arm off to the side, signaling the others to stay where they were before the blonde-haired boy approached the two guards.

“Umm… hey there,” Roxas scratched the back of his head. “We’re here to uhh…”

“Master Ventus!” one of the guards interrupted. “I didn’t recognize you with that outfit on. We’ve been expecting you!”

“Ventus?” Sora and the others whispered to each other.

“You’ve been expecting me?” Roxas inquired, puzzled.

“Yes, we were told you were on your way here,” the other guard explained.

“Really? By who?” Roxas started to become suspicious.

“There’s a lot to discuss,” the left guard replied before turning toward the rest of the group several feet back. “Please, everyone come inside.”

Roxas paused for a moment before finally turning toward the others. “Well you heard them, let’s go on in.”

* * *

Kairi had to admit, she was definitely not used to having so much attention drawn to her—especially when she was sure that this was her first time to visit the land of the Dreamweavers. Many eyes locked with hers as she timidly glanced at the villagers she came across while being led through the main square of the city. Most of the attention the young heroine received felt welcoming, as if they viewed Kairi as a long lost daughter that had finally returned home. When they would occasionally come across the younger children, they would immediately scurry behind their parents for safety, whispering questions like “Mother, who’s that?” or “What a pretty lady”. However, there were some ill-natured inquiries among the children they came across, some whom had labeled the entire group as “filthy outsiders” and proceeded to kick small rocks in their path as they passed them by. Such variation in attitude was enough to show that even among the population of the Last Dreamweavers, a group that initially sought exile together, there was still a lot of disagreement and dissatisfaction within many of its people.

Kairi also found it bizarre that she seemed to be the only one who gained most of the attention from the inhabitants around them, which Sora and the others quickly picked up on. Many—if not all—the comments were directed at Kairi, and those who remained silent still kept their gazes locked on the crimson-haired Princess as she walked by. It was true that from what they were told about Kairi and her past, she would naturally become the topic of discussion if she ever made her way to the world of the Dreamweavers. But what bothered her was that it seemed everyone around her were quite intimately aware of who she was; yet she couldn’t say the same about any of them.

They were finally brought to a stop at the north-most area of the village, where another large door stood in the distance. Unlike the entrance gates that was made of burgundy coloured steel, the large door before them was made purely of stone, although the carving of the shape was somewhat primordial as many edges seemed unfinished and the overall shape not exactly resembling that of a functional door.

“Please step back for a moment, everyone,” one of the guards requested.

The other guard reached to remove one of his gauntlets before approaching the entrance door. After closing his eyes, he gently placed his palm on the center of the stone door before chanting a small incantation. After a few moments, a bright glyph illuminated around his hand before implanting itself on the door, spinning clockwise as if to open a lock. The sound of a lock opening resounded loudly from the door, causing a small tremor around the area. Tiny rocks trickled down the walls around the door as the entrance slowly opened on its accord, stopping short once it rotated a full ninety degrees.

The group was led once more down another walkway in silence, although their surroundings had been becoming slowly more elaborate in nature. There were still not flying cars or floating transporters, but their environment definitely reflected many characteristics similar to that of an ancient temple. Phrases of scripture and accompanied drawings were engraved all along the walls as they continued deeper into the mountain. Yuffie was about to comment on one of the drawings she noticed before bumping clumsily into Sora’s back; they had come to a stop.

Elevated by a small flight of steps, there sat three individuals in carefully carved stone chairs. The one in the middle seemed to be of more importance as the group took note of the significantly larger size and more frivolous structure of the chair.

“On behalf of the Dreamweavers, I bid you all welcome,” the middle one of the three spoke.

It was a woman, middle-aged at best. Her locks were white like the purest snow, almost beaming off her form as it traveled down to her elbows. She was dressed in a silver robe that bore much more sophistication than anything else in the entire village. Although everything about her physically seemed average, the amount of power and wisdom that radiated off her was unmistakable. She was almost too intimidating to stand before as the Radiant Garden travelers found it hard to keep eye contact.

“I am Evelyn, leader of the Dreamweavers here at the Lost World,” she spoke elegantly. “I’m glad you all could make it. I pray your journey here wasn’t too difficult.”

“We lost one member of our team,” Roxas explained. “He stayed behind to ensure our safe arrival.”

Sora and the others looked down solemnly, as a moment of silence followed.

“I am sorry to hear that,” Evelyn bowed her head respectfully. “The defense systems you encountered at the Gorge of Hades were implemented using magical incantations that I am not familiar with. As much as I tried to override their orders of attack, it was out of my hands. It was my younger sister who had placed those armaments there, but she has long since passed away.”

“Your sister?” Leon asked.

“Renalyn the Prophet, the previous ruler of the Dreamweavers,” Evelyn answered.

“That’s… that childhood friend of Kairi’s father, right?” Sora turned to the others. “King Cyril the III.”

“Master Ventus, why did you travel through the Gorge of Hades to bring Lady Kairi here? A Class-A portal would’ve been much safer and a lot more efficient,” Evelyn asked, her face full of question.

Roxas scratched his head again. “I don’t remember how to create a Class-A portal. More importantly, why does everyone here keep calling me Ventus? My name is Roxas.”

Renalyn raised her brows suddenly, glancing at each of her two subordinates to seek enlightenment. A moment passed as one of the other seated individuals leaned over to whisper something in Evelyn’s ear.

Evelyn’s expression changed. “I see. So that’s how it is.”

“What?” Roxas inquired.

“Step forward please, Master Ven—I mean, Roxas,” Evelyn ordered. “This pertains to you as well, Lady Kairi. Please step forward as well.”

Roxas and Kairi exchanged looks of bewilderment before both stepping forward, awaiting Evelyn’s next command.

“Roxas, do you know anything about ‘The Room of Sleep’ and ‘The Room of Awakening’?” Evelyn asked.

Roxas furrowed a brow at Evelyn’s question; his memory did recall something about those two things.

The concept behind The Room of Sleep and The Room of Awakening first came into existence shortly after the Lost Faction of the Dreamweavers first created and perfected the Reality Refraction Phenomenon. They were certain that someday the Ultairian Kingdom would seek after their newly developed power like they did the Keyblade, but they were determined to make sure such a thing would ever happen again. With the threat of invasion suspiciously imminent—after being attacked several times by a mysterious Keyblader—the Dreamweavers felt they needed an infallible plan that would enable them to keep the secrets behind the Reality Refraction Phenomenon hidden away from their enemies. It became clear that with a race of people who knew the Reality Refraction Phenomenon, and how to use it effortlessly, the only way to keep their skill a secret was to completely forget how to use it when the time was convenient for them. This way, if they were captured by any kind of enemy who wanted their power, it would be impossible for them to leak out the secrets of the Reality Refraction Phenomenon if there was nothing to tell. Naturally, the first problem was how to forget a skill that became just as natural to them as breathing?

At first, they tried using the Reality Refraction Phenomenon to force themselves to forget, but because such a skill became as subconscious as breathing, this soon became impossible to achieve. Even Renalyn’s efforts to do so ended up in failure and that particular method was scrapped.

The Dreamweavers felt they were on the right track, however. If there was a way to make them genuinely forget how to use the Reality Refraction Phenomenon, it could only be found in their own power. The Reality Refraction Phenomenon was able to perform miracles, or inconceivable things; such power could be the only way to answer their problem.

After several other variables were factored in, the Dreamweavers realized that the sole obstacle in their way was their own cognition. Although the Reality Refraction Phenomenon could virtually complete any task, regardless of any restriction of that particular reality, it was impossible to make one forget about a skill if they’re trying to use it at the same time. Thus, the Dreamweavers sought a new approach: they would need someone else to perform the ritual on them.

This method was met with partial success, but was definitely a failure in terms of what they wanted to achieve. Even with the most talented Dreamweavers volunteering to perform the ritual, the amount of knowledge that the test subjects had forgotten was negligible, and hardly progress. It would soon turn out that the amount of power needed to effectively force a Dreamweaver to forget how to use the Reality Refraction Formation could not be channeled or contained in a single individual. It would take hundreds upon hundreds of people at once to complete such a task.

And that’s when The Room of Sleep was born. It was Renalyn who first introduced the idea of creating a machine—well, more specifically a chamber—that would carry out the procedure. In its constituents, a machine’s raw power greatly outweighed that of a human being’s. Renalyn proposed that the Dreamweavers would infuse a little bit of their power into the machine on a daily basis until there was enough energy to create the amount of power they needed to successfully perform the ritual. With the number of people living in their village, and the amount of average energy that could be donated each day exceeded all their expectations. When they finally had enough power to test run their new Room of Sleep. To say the least, it was an incredible success.

Soon after came the creation of the Room of Awakening, which while being built in the likeness of the Room of Sleep and required the same amount of work to be completed, the process would simply be reversed. This would eventually become the room where individuals who had their Reality Refraction Phenomenon powers removed could get them restored.

And so, it later became a daily routine for inhabitants of the Dreamweaver world to donate power to the two machines each and every day, even if neither machine was planned to be used on a daily basis, as a way to make it so both machines would always have enough power to be used at any time, and several times a day if needed.

“And that’s why this pertains to the both of you,” Evelyn explained.

“So you’re saying…” Roxas started. “That the reason why I’ve had all these memories and recollections of this place and how to navigate that… Gorge of Hades, but still don’t know where they came from, is because I’m not… complete?”

“Yes, you could put it that way,” Evelyn agreed. “Your true name is Ventus, one of the late King Cyril’s most trusted and most powerful Chasers.”

“I… still don’t think I completely understand,” Roxas muttered.

“Everything will make sense once after you’ve been in the Room of Awakening,” Evelyn concluded.

“What will happen to me? Will I still remember everything that’s happened up until now?”

“Of course,” Evelyn smiled. “Your feelings, your thoughts and your memories as Roxas will still be intact. But you will remember everything about your former self, and all your powers as the Chaser, Ventus, including his personality and his memories will be restored in you. You will be “Awakened” once again,” Evelyn elaborated.

“Wait,” Sora blurted, somewhat against his own will.

Roxas, Kairi and Evelyn all turned to look at the young brunette.

“Yes, what is it, dear?” Evelyn asked.

“Umm… I’m just a little confused,” Sora mumbled, somewhat incoherently.

“Step forward, young man,” Evelyn gestured with an outstretched arm. “Don’t be shy.”

There was something about her motherly nature that allowed Sora’s thoughts to organize themselves. “My name’s Sora, and I don’t mean to question your facts or something but… how can Roxas be this Chaser named Ventus?”

“How can he not be?” Evelyn blinked. “Is he not the one who led you all here? That would be impossible for someone who’s never once set foot on these grounds. And his appearance is strikingly similar to Ventus. It’s unmistakable.”

“But Roxas is my Nobody,” Sora emphasized.

“Nobody?” Evelyn tilted her head.

“I’ll rephrase…” Sora cleared his throat. “He’s my other half; the other part of my being. How could Roxas be my other half, but yet, also be this warrior named Ventus who obviously existed long before I was born?”

Sora’s insecurity had gotten the best of him again, and Leon and Yuffie both made note of that as they watched the young protagonist cling onto what he could still claim was part of him, or how he was connected to the events that were exponentially unfolding before them. It was obvious that it pestered the Key Bearer that Roxas had suddenly become identified as some warrior of Kairi’s past, and not Sora’s other half—which he was still certain, was true. It was another major blow to his already weakened ego that now, not only did it seem that the Keyblade not his to begin with—but in fact, Roxas’—but now it seemed that Roxas was not half of Sora at all, but instead this powerful Keyblader known as Ventus, someone of Kairi’s ever so important history.

Evelyn lost herself in her thoughts for a moment as she gave Sora’s words some thought. There was no reason not to believe what the young man before her was saying, but she was certain that her deductions were not off the mark.

“Lady Kairi, who is this young man?” she turned her attention back to the Princess of Heart.

“He’s the Key Bearer, your Highness,” Kairi bowed her head. “Wielder of the Kingdom Key.”

Loud whispers erupted between the three seated officials at the front of the altar as they all busily conversed amongst themselves, most likely debating the information that Kairi had just provided. The initial response seemed to be of surprise and shock after Kairi mentioned the word “Kingdom Key”, which was only natural considering the long history the Kingdom Key has had with not only the Dreamweavers, but the Ultairian Kingdom as well.

Sora waited patiently beside Kairi as he awaited the verdict of the Dreamweaver officials on his insinuations about Roxas. The young Key Bearer found himself at the edge of desperation, simply hoping that there would be at least an ounce left of importance left in him to feel proud about. His Keyblade was gone, and so was his ability to protect Kairi. When Roxas began obtaining all sorts of knowledge about the Dreamweavers and the Ultairian Kingdom, although already somewhwat jealous of the Nobody’s sudden gain of superiority of the direction of Kairi’s fate and everyone else’s, a small part of him was still relieved that he could at least say Roxas was the other half of him; the part of him that was related to the events that continued to unfold each and every day before them. Losing the Keyblade struck Sora deeply and forever shattered the confidence he had as a defender of justice and a warrior of good, but the connection he had with Roxas was the last sliver of reassurance that ever so weakly consoled him when his moments were at their lowest.

But now it seemed that truth would only continue to rip away at what little pride Sora had left as an important figure in the fate of the multiverse. Roxas was in fact, someone else? Why would the fates be so cruel, Sora thought to himself. If he had lost all his rationale he would’ve immediately judged this entire ordeal as one huge prank, some miscalculated error that threw them off track of what really lay underneath. Roxas just so happened to look like Ventus, right? As for how he managed to guide them to the world of the Dreamweavers… coincidence? Maybe he was lucky?

“I’ve only seen this happen a few times in my entire life,” Evelyn began. “The fact that this could occur among a specially fated group of people such as yourselves is an amazing occurrence on its own, but if you are the wielder of the Kingdom Key, young Sora, then perhaps it is possible.”

“What do you mean, your Highness?” Sora asked, somewhat frightened.

“I can’t say this as a fact, but the most likely conclusion is, you are the reincarnation of Ventus, a person bound to him by fate, but otherwise, a completely different individual.”

Sora’s heart sank deep in his chest.

It all made sense now, Sora thought. And while the pieces did fit together perfectly after Evelyn revealed that last piece of information, it was the last jigsaw piece to the end of one very spiteful puzzle, one that laughed in the face of Sora’s sorrows, and poked fun at his anxieties. But sadly, it still all made sense. The Kingdom Key chose Sora not because he was simply ‘Sora’, but because he was Ventus in a past life. Learning to use the Keyblade, to grow stronger with it, and to be able to defeat the odds so effortlessly with a weapon he had no prior knowledge of before then had become such a simple question to answer: it was the ‘Ventus’ inside him, a vestige of his original being urging him on from deep within his subconscious.

Perhaps that was the voice Sora heard from the very beginning, all those years ago; the voice that came to him in a dream; the voice that told him to ‘not be afraid’ of the darkness, and that ‘he would be the one to open the door’. Sora had yet to find an answer to that particular riddle of his life, but now Sora felt even more certain that the simplest answer was yet again, Ventus.

And now having lost the ability to wield the Keyblade after Roxas manifested himself outside Sora’s body, it was as if Ventus was now back to claim what was originally is, to be reborn and take back the life that was always is. Looking at Roxas now was never so difficult to do; it was painful. It was almost as if Roxas came back to say, “Thanks for looking after things while I was gone, but now that I’m back, you can stop trying so hard”.

“Sora?” Kairi nudged him one more time. She had been calling him for a while.

Sora slowly raised his head. “… What is it?”

Kairi’s breathing quickened as she fidgeted with her finger while her eyes trailed back and forth anxiously. “Evelyn just said she wants Roxas and I to go into the Room of Awakening.”

“You too?” Sora was slowly starting to daze off.

“Yeah… you know how I said I couldn’t remember anything about my past, no matter how many times people asked?” Kairi asked.

Sora’s expression remained emotionless as he stared through the floor.

Kairi’s nerves took Sora’s silence as his approval. “Apparently my memories of that particular part of my life were erased when I was placed in the Room of Sleep as a child. She wants us to go into the Room of Awakening but…” Kairi began stammering. “I-I’d like it if… y-you waited outside the room for me…”

A part of Sora could tell that Kairi was feeling uncomfortable, causing him to regain and direct his full attention to what Kairi was asking of him, however his shattered pride had prevented him from interpreting her words the way one expected him to. He felt completely useless, unfit and unworthy to be in the company of the Princess of Heart, Kairi, or the powerful Chaser, Ventus. What was Kairi so afraid of? Roxas would be in there with her, which was a lot safer than having the retired Keyblade wielder stand outside the chamber. Sora laughed at the irony of what he had just realized: all this time, he thought, he was the Nobody, merely an empty shell to contain Ventus’ Keyblade powers until he was ready to take them back.

“Sorry… I think I'll head back,” Sora placed his hands in his pockets. “I’m a little tired… I don’t think I can keep my eyes open anymore.”

Leon and Yuffie went wide-eyed at Sora’s response. That was probably the most uncharacteristic thing he could ever say. And refusing Kairi’s plea for his company!

What the hell, thought Yuffie.

“Oh…” Kairi trailed off. “I’m sorry!” she stammered again. “I should’ve been thinking about your health, you’ve been overworking yourself lately. I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking!”

“It’s okay…” Sora stopped before turning his head over his shoulder. “Besides,” his eyes dropped to the floor. “Roxas will be with you... I'm sure there'll be nothing to worry about.”

Kairi smiled weakly; somewhat bothered by Sora’s comment, but tried to interpret it more positively.

Leon and Yuffie looked onwards as the silent Key Bearer left the chamber of Evelyn and the others, being escorted by several guards toward a safe house where they’d be lodging during their stay. There was always a flame that burned within Sora that managed to empower the people around him, and give courage to those who never thought they’d be capable of it. Among these were Simba, the once reluctant King of the Pride Lands. Tron, the computer program that learned that some things were worth fighting for, even Beast, the hesitant Prince who finally learned what was really important. Sora’s ever so radiant flame never failed to transform the people around him into heroes of their own tales, but in the distance, as Leon, Yuffie, Roxas and Kairi watched their young comrade escort his way back into the main square, the passionate flame that usually burned within him was nowhere to be seen. Only a small flicker of light continued to linger there, waiting either to be blown out, or to be reignited.
Click to expand...

As usual, didn't proofread. In fact, I don't know why this chapter is finished. But it is. So even if half the grammar in this chapter ends up sounding ******ed, you all BETTER LOVE READING IT ANYWAY!
Soushirei, Jul 19, 2007
Soushirei, Jul 19, 2007
#145
.Kairi. Kingdom Keeper

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Too close to the guidos

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O.o sora seems depressed....but i guess thats obvious xD

another great chapter! keep them coming!

~sig removed due to size~
.Kairi., Jul 19, 2007
.Kairi., Jul 19, 2007
#146
draik88 Twilight Town Denizen

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Are you REALLY sure you want to know? O.o

6

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...When I first read that you posted another chapter... this was my expression-->

...But now that I've read it... I gotta admit, I felt bad for Cid, but now I feel terrible for Sora! I mean, holy crap! Not only does he lose the keyblade, but pretty much his entire identity and reputation! That's got to hurt! I hope he gets to make up for his loss somehow...

By the way, congrats on getting another chapter out so soon! This one was just as superb as the rest! ^^

It Truly Is A Wonderful World...

But What Will you Do...

When The World Ends With You...
draik88, Jul 19, 2007
draik88, Jul 19, 2007
#147
TAFKAA8 Banned

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Jul 1, 2007

Location:

I live in the para-Universe.

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Niceness. You really don't need to care about grammar so much. Most people don't notice anyways. Like always I like the way you portray the characters. In the games they are at times somewhat shallow and archetypical. It's nice to see Sora with actually flaws and thoughts. Whatever, good job in my view. BTW I almost laughed when I saw this 'cause of the huge discrepancy in writing times.

Why? 'Cause I face you sideways.

Now we have to go to the crappy town where I'm a hero!
TAFKAA8, Jul 19, 2007
TAFKAA8, Jul 19, 2007
#148
draik88 Twilight Town Denizen

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Location:

Are you REALLY sure you want to know? O.o

6

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There's a question I've been meaning to ask but I keep forgetting to...

I'm sorry if it's been asked before but, will Kairi's ability to weild a keyblade come into effect in your story?

It Truly Is A Wonderful World...

But What Will you Do...

When The World Ends With You...
draik88, Jul 20, 2007
draik88, Jul 20, 2007
#149
Soushirei 運命の欠片

Premium

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draik88 said: ↑

There's a question I've been meaning to ask but I keep forgetting to...

I'm sorry if it's been asked before but, will Kairi's ability to weild a keyblade come into effect in your story?
Click to expand...

To put simply: Nope. XD

In KH2, when Kairi was given that 'random Keyblade' from Riku, I considered that to be nothing more than a prop; a pathetic excuse for a Keyblade if I ever saw one! So from my interpretation, Kairi wasn't, and still isn't a genuine Keyblade wielder. Even if she were to become one, it would take years of experience before she becomes as good as Sora, Riku (and King Mickey!) are with it. Thus, seeing as two years have gone by in peace--with Kairi never really using a Keyblade--for her to become a Keyblade wielder in my fic, and be *really good* at it just wouldn't work out. There just wouldn't be enough time to build her up into a great Keyblade fighter.

However, she does have something just as equally powerful as a Keyblade (if not stronger), which she will use when the time comes.
Soushirei, Jul 20, 2007
Soushirei, Jul 20, 2007
#150
HOSPITAL STAT! i knock tits

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hmmm

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Ridiculously fast update, but I ain't complaining!

Oooh la la...gotta be hard on Sora's eg--pride <_>;;; I'm particularly fond of the way you really take the time to explain/show Sora's feelings on all this. Though unlike draik88, the whole ordeal with Cid is still affecting me more. D:

God said:

â€œMaybe you need to give them a secret password,â€ Leon thought aloud. â€œI remember that was pretty popular.â€

â€œLeonâ€¦ thatâ€™s gotta be the dumbest thing Iâ€™ve ever heard you say,â€ Yuffie replied.

â€œWhat about a hand signal? Or a sequence of body movements?â€ Leon continued.

â€œPlease, justâ€¦ stop talking,â€ Yuffie closed her eyes, irritably.
Click to expand...

Ah, love ye Yuffie <3. Best part in the whole chapter I'd say - the idea of Leon trying to crack a joke, oh WOW lol. XD
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 21, 2007
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 21, 2007
#151
Soushirei 運命の欠片

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Yay. Chapter 15. o_o Although it's been about 3 days since I posted the last chapter, this chapter was actually completed in one day. I started it sometimes in the afternoon yesterday and finished it around 4am this morning. XD

Anyway, this is quite possibly my favourite chapter yet. It's quite a roller coaster of emotions, but I've never smiled so much at anything I've written--as I was writing it. (Maybe not the last part of this chapter, <.< but anyway). Hope you all enjoy it.

-- Chapter Fifteen --

Leon glanced down at his watch, noting that it had been almost two hours since Roxas and Kairi had been placed in The Room of Awakening. After Sora quickly dismissed himself from the scene, Leon and Yuffie felt obligated to keep Kairi company in his stead. It was obvious that the young heroine was still uneasy about the entire idea of being “Awakened”, which was natural when one considered just what the Room was supposed to, and the fact that it was completely foreign to her. It was always easier to trust what was familiar. Such things included Sora’s company, the sound of his voice, his laugh and his smile; but it had been a while since the young Princess had seen or heard such things. And after Sora’s dreary dismissal from the group, it would seem that even his company would become another familiarity soon to be missed.

Yuffie looked curiously through the window of the chamber as she spotted the two younger teenagers sitting side by side. At the center of the bright white room, Roxas and Kairi sat motionless on the floor, their legs crossed and their eyes closed. Their expressions seemed serene, as if they were at peace with themselves, something that reassured Kairi’s two safeguarding comrades, who were both concerned about what sort of things might happen while Kairi and Roxas were regaining their memories.

“Don’t worry about those two, Leon, Yuffie,” Evelyn spoke warmly. “They’ll be just fine.”

“What’s happening in there?” Leon asked. “Are they unconscious, or…?”

Evelyn smiled. “They’re dreaming.”

“About their past?” Yuffie added.

“They’re reliving the memories that have long since faded from their minds. Time in that room moves much faster than it does out here,” Evelyn explained. “But like all dreams, they wander aimlessly about, transitioning from one memory to the next. They will not notice that by the end of this process, they will have gone through many years of memories.”

“Sounds like a lot of fun,” Yuffie joked.

“But Master Ventus has a lot more dreaming to do than Lady Kairi,” Evelyn added. “There are quite a lot of memories he has yet to regain, as well as his powers from being one of Cyril’s greatest Chasers.”

“That would seem likely,” Leon agreed.

“We will call on you to retrieve Lady Kairi once her memories have been restored, until then you are free to return back to the village,” Evelyn answered.

“That’s alright,” Yuffie shook her head. “We want to stay here with ‘Lady Kairi’, right, Leon?”

Leon nodded, “Yes, that’s right.”

Evelyn chuckled lightly. “As you desire.”

* * *

“Daddy, won’t you show it to me one more time!” Kairi whined as she tugged on her father’s lavender cape. “The Keendom Key is so pretty!”

A hearty chuckle escaped the proud King’s lips. “That’s ‘Kingdom’ Key, Kairi.”

“That’s right, the Kingdom Key! Please show it to me again!” Kairi pleaded.

“You saw it just a minute ago, dear, you know I can’t be showing it off all the time,” King Cyril tapped her forehead playfully. “Lord Ansem won’t be very happy with me if he ever finds out.”

“Lord Ansem is so boring!” the young Princess complained.

“Now now,” Cyril chuckled again. “Lord Ansem has been very understanding of our situation. He’s allowed me to rule over this beautiful world so you can grow up having anything you want. Surely it’s not a big request in return to not summon the Keyblade outside his laboratory, now is it?”

Kairi pouted. “But all of that doesn’t matter if you’re always gone, Daddy!”

“That’s because it’s important that I continually visit your mother, and make sure she’s safe,” Cyril placed his hand over Kairi’s head. “You want Mommy to be safe, don’t you?”

“Yes but…” Kairi started. “Why didn’t Mommy come here with us! We could’ve all just started a new life here together! You said we couldn’t live in our old world anymore, so why does Mommy not want to be with us!” Kairi complained.

“Your mother… has something very important that she wishes to do,” Cyril explained. “Because of that, she couldn’t come here with us.”

“But… but why?!” Kairi mewled.

“You’ll understand when you’re older, Kairi,” Cyril stroked the side of her face.

Footsteps were heard advancing from behind the King; the private time he had planned to spend with his daughter becoming untimely interrupted.

An armoured soldier stopped several meters away from their position before taking to one knee, one arm crossed over his chest. “I’ve returned, your Majesty.”

“Ventus!” Cyril greeted cheerfully. “You’re back early.”

“The Captain felt… I needed a short vacation,” Ventus looked off to the side, somewhat offended.

“You don’t seem pleased,” Cyril laughed.

“What did you do this time, Venny!” Kairi giggled alongside her father.

Ventus muttered under his breath.

“Come on~ let’s hear it,” Cyril goaded the young soldier on.

“The Captain…” Ventus hid his mouth under his collar timidly. “… saw me coming out of Ariannas’ quarters late last night, and—”

“Oh my!” Cyril gasped before placing his hands over Kairi’s ears.

“It’s not like that, I swear!” Ventus retorted, shaking his hands wildly in front of him.

“Hey! Let go of me!” Kairi punched her father’s arm lightly.

“I must say, Ventus, I definitely did not expect that from you!” Cyril teased.

“Your Highness!” Ventus’ face flushed a deep crimson. “I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

--

“Lady Kairi,” a deep resonant voice called out to her. “What are you doing up?”

“I can’t sleep,” came the young girl’s response. “Can I stay here with you, Master Atticus?”

The older man sighed in defeat, knowing full well there would be worse repercussions if he had turned away the young Princess’ request. With King Cyril off to his affairs at the Kingdom of Ultair, looking after Kairi had become his responsibility whenever the noble King was absent.

“You may for a while, young Princess,” Atticus smiled. “But eventually you’re going to have to return back to your quarters.”

Kairi nodded in agreement before quickly scurrying over to Atticus’ bed, hopping excitedly onto the bed sheet covers.

Atticus chuckled. “I can see why you can’t fall asleep. Someone had way too many sweets after dinner.”

“It was dessert!” Kairi corrected. “Braig and Even made all of them!”

“I don’t trust those concoctions of Even’s,” Atticus shook his head. “They create hyper little children like you who come to pester us old people!”

“You’re not old, Master Atticus, you’re only twenty-eight!” Kairi replied.

“When you’ve been a soldier as long as I have…” Atticus trailed off. “Twenty-eight feels like a lifetime.”

Kairi blinked confusedly. “Huh?”

Atticus paused for a moment, before shaking his head. “Oh nothing! Forgive the blubberings of a tired soldier. They’re not important.”

“Captain?” a feminine voice called from the doorway.

“Ah, Ariannas, great timing,” Atticus greeted. “I have a favour to ask of you.”

“Oh?” Ariannas looked down. “Why, hello there, Princess. You’re up late.”

“Hi big-sister Ari!” Kairi waved, swinging her feet back and forth.

“Yes,” Atticus placed a hand on Kairi’s head. “This little one needs to get some sleep, but it doesn’t look like she’ll be listening to any of my orders.”

Kairi folded her arms, shaking her head confidently. “Nope nope! You may be the all-powerful Captain of Chasers, Master Atticus, but I still won’t go to bed even if you order me to!”

Ariannas placed her hands on her knees, bending forward. “Oh my, Princess Kairi sure is giving my Captain a really hard time.”

Kairi let out a goofy smile in response, satisfied with Ariannas’ verdict.

“I was going to ask you to take her to bed for me,” Atticus said. “You’re the only one she listens to around here, other than her father.”

Ariannas looked back at Kairi. “Did you hear that, Kairi? It looks like I’m going to have to take you to bed, young Lady.”

“Noooo!” Kairi wailed. “Master Atticus, you cheat!”

“When an opponent is strong, you do whatever it takes to win!” Atticus declared triumphantly.

Ariannas laughed in amusement. “Come along now, Princess.”

“Aww…” Kairi mumbled before hopping off Atticus’ bed. She covered her face with her hands to hide her shame as she was expertly overcome by the ingenuity of the two Chasers in the room.

“Thanks for talking with me, Master Atticus,” Kairi bowed respectfully before turning to grab Ariannas’ hand.

“You’re very welcome, Princess,” Atticus replied. “Sleep well, you two.”

“Good night!” Kairi nodded before exiting the room, dragging Ariannas along behind her.

The young female Chaser struggled to keep her balance as she quickly turned to face her commanding officer. “Captain, do you know where I can find Ven? I didn’t see him in his room.”

“I believe he’s still helping Even and Ienzo with some tests in Ansem’s laboratory,” Atticus answered. “But be sure to put Princess Kairi to bed first before you go down there!”

Ariannas stuck out her tongue playfully. “I will, Captain.”

* * *

The gloomy atmosphere that surrounded a certain young brunette seemed to be affecting the air circulating the room as the Key Bearer slowly found it to be stagnant and stale to breathe. Of course, it could’ve easily been his senses playing tricks on him—as of late, it seemed everything around him was having that sort of hobby in common. The pathetic truth was: he wanted to go home. After he decided to depart from the chamber where Roxas, Kairi and the others were, his first instinct was to return back to Destiny Islands. It would’ve been a lot easier to do that than to deal with saying an unwanted amount of goodbyes. He didn’t deny that he would be missed—his emotions weren’t deluding him that much—but the pleasure of one’s company was not worth him holding them back, especially when the stakes were only becoming higher and higher. Furthermore, there was a greater possibility of him being killed before he could be of any use to anyone. In fact, him dying might instead work against the morale of his friends, and bring them down when they needed to be at their best. So wasn’t it better for him to think of what was best for everyone and just return back to the Islands? He would be safe and out of the way, he thought.

Sora’s plan to return back to the Islands would’ve otherwise been already placed into action had he not soon realized he was stuck in the world of the Dreamweavers. It was Roxas who had guided them through the interspace, so even if he still had the ability to fly a gummi ship (hardly a redeemable quality), he would have no idea where to go. “Away from here” was not good enough, and flying out there into oblivion and dying obviously wasn’t the answer; he wanted to go home, not end his life. Powerless again, Sora thought. He was getting quite used to the irony by now.

Sora rolled onto his back, staring at the auburn coloured stone ceiling above him. There was nothing left to do but idle helplessly in the privacy of his stay room until the first opportunity to return home arose. Eventually they would have to leave this world to trail after Nemas, or something else related to his whereabouts. Sora thought it would be best to part ways when that time came.

I wonder if Kairi and Roxas are out of that Awakening Room thing yet, he thought.

* * *

“Lady Kairi! This way!” an infantry guard yelled before grabbing the young Princess into his arms, rushing toward a nearby shelter.

“Hey! Where are we going!” Kairi demanded.

“A Keyblader we’ve never seen before has breached the entrance gates! It could be those bastards from Ultair!” the guard whispered in her ear.

“A Keyblader we’ve never seen before…” Kairi repeated. “But who could that be…”

“I don’t know, but we need to get you to safety, young Princess!” the guard stated before reaching a large stone door.

A bright glyph appeared from the guard’s hand before it plastered itself onto the rocky surface of the door. After a small tremor, the door started opening on its own accord, allowing entrance inside.

Kairi hurried inside after being herded incessantly by the guard who had picked her up. She was quickly retrieved by two other guards who then brought her down a vast corridor with frivolously decorated walls of engraved scriptures and drawings. A child of her age could not comprehend the urgency that was befalling their hidden society. While it was surely becoming a possibility that the secrecy of their whereabouts may have become public knowledge, there was very little they could do in their current situation.

A woman dressed in elaborate white robes came running toward the platoon that was escorting Kairi.

“Lady Evelyn!” the guards spoke loudly.

“I heard a large explosion outside, what’s going on!” Evelyn demanded.

“We may be under attack by Ultair,” came the quick response. “Please take yourself and Lady Kairi someplace safe—”

Another large explosion erupted from down the corridor as the screams of guards being knocked to the ground reverberated throughout the chamber. It didn’t take long until the mysterious invader had finally made its way toward their position.

Evelyn wasted little time before beginning her counterattack. As nimble as her fingers could get, she chanted a quick incantation before firing a powerful blast of fire magic at their intruder. The impact was fierce and forceful, causing a strong current of wind to circle around the room, blowing out several lanterns that lit up the room and toppling over some artifacts situated around the vicinity.

A silver barrier blinked faintly from underneath the dust and smoke of Evelyn’s attack, signifying that the blast had been successfully blocked and absorbed by the intruder.
When the dust finally cleared, Evelyn and the others laid their eyes upon their attacker: a person that stood no more than two feet above the ground, even after one included the two large black ears that hovered above his head. What was more compelling to Evelyn was the weapon situated in the stranger’s right hand.

“The Star Seeker…” Evelyn looked up, her eyes piercing at the mysterious outsider. “Who are you?”

“My name is King Mickey of the world of Disney. I come here to relay a message from Captain Atticus of the Chasers Organization. As such, the directions I am here to pass on have the full trust and support of the late King Cyril III.”

“I am Evelyn, newly appointed leader of the Dreamweavers. What news have you from the Captain?”

“Captain Atticus, and his two subordinates, Ventus and Ariannas, have all been killed in action against the dark warlock, Nocenarus,” King Mickey explained.

“W-what…” Kairi gasped as she walked out from behind the altar of Evelyn’s throne. “That can’t be…”

“Kairi, stay behind me,” Evelyn ordered.

“From the circumstances I had fled the scene from, it is unclear if Nocenarus has been incapacitated or if he has survived the battle,” King Mickey continued. “As instructed to me by Captain Atticus, it has been ordered that Kairi’s memories up until this point are hereby erased and she be subsequently transported to a world at the far end of the multiverse where her presence will not be detected nor found.”

“That’s ridiculous!” one of the chamber officials cried out.

Retorts and scowls of disapproval echoed around the chamber as Atticus’ last requests created uproar among the officials present in the room. With instructions like that, it was impossible to think that Nocenarus had been defeated; if he really were, Atticus would not have given the order to erase Kairi’s memory and have her transported away from the world of the Dreamweavers. It was an obvious plan to hide her from the dangers that seemed to be closing in on them. The thought of Nocenarus coming to their world was slowly creating a panic among the officials.

Kairi looked up at Evelyn. “Lady Evelyn… will you really send me away?”

Evelyn pulled Kairi into a hug. “Don’t worry, young Lady… we’ll think of something.”

Kairi made little effort to hide her unhappiness as she broke out in tears within Evelyn’s motherly embrace. Nocenarus had taken away everyone she held dear to her: her mother, a woman she had seen so few times that she had forgotten her face and her name; her father that she loved with all her heart, and now the three most special guardians in her life. She had looked up to Atticus like an uncle, a second father when King Cyril was absent. Ariannas was the big sister she never had, a person she could confide in and cry to when she felt her father wouldn’t understand. And finally there was her big brother, Ventus. Although she would often fight with him for Ariannas’ attention when the three of them were together, she was always appreciative of his company and grew to love and trust him like a family member.

These strong emotions began to flow fiercely through her body, overwhelming her thoughts as she soon found it hard to stay on her feet. Her knees wobbled beneath her and her chest began to sting as the young Princess slowly felt something begin to boil within her very core. Her skin was scorching, and she as if her insides were about to turn her inside out. She was going to lose it; there was no stopping it.

--

A loud shriek echoed inside the chamber as the young Princess’ eyes shot wide-open. She immediately grabbed her hair with her hands, wanting to pull every strand out of her scalp in hopes to be ridden of the massive pain that was plaguing her head.

“Lady Evelyn!” Yuffie yelled as she repeatedly hit the window of the chamber with her palm. “Kairi! Kairi, hold on!”

“Lady Evelyn, we need to get in there now!” Leon yelled. “She’s started having convulsions!”

“I can’t open that door until I’ve secured both Master Ventus’ and Kairi’s time-space grid. If you go in there now, they’re both going to die!”

Yuffie continued banging on the window with her fists. “Kairi! Kairi, look at me!”

“She can’t hear you, Yuffie,” Leon gritted his teeth, being equally nervous about Kairi’s safety.

“I don’t care! I have to do something!” came Yuffie’s rebuttal.

“Alright, it’s done!” Evelyn announced. “Hurry and retrieve her, but do not touch Master Ventus whatsoever.”

“Gotcha,” Yuffie nodded before pulling the door open with both hands. “Kairi! We’re coming!”

The young kunoichi leapt onto Kairi’s convulsing form, trying to steady her until Leon came to assist. As it was, it would take the both of them to carry her out of the room. Both were sure to keep an eye on Roxas’ position—who sat no more than a meter away from their position—to make sure that they wouldn’t crash into him while trying to restrain Kairi. If they were unlucky, Kairi could throw them off balance and launch one, if not all of them, right into Roxas’ path.

Luck prevailed in their endeavor to remove Kairi from the room as the “Awakened” Princess of Heart stopped her convulsions, calming down to mere pants of exhaustion and squinting eyelids. Leon and Yuffie placed her down gently in front of the Room of Awakening’s entrance, waiting for the crimson-haired heroine to regain consciousness.

“Is this normal?” Leon turned to Evelyn, who had a hand over her mouth worriedly.

“I…”

“Is it!?”

“W-well… sometimes when the last memory a person has to regain is one that possesses an intense amount of emotion, it can sometimes overwhelm the individual when it’s being returned to them…” Evelyn explained. “This is the first time I’ve ever seen it happen, though…”

“Will she be alright?” Yuffie asked.

“Yes… she will just need rest,” Evelyn assured the two younger warriors.

“We’ll bring her back to the safe house,” Leon stated before getting down to his knees, nodding to Yuffie to help load her onto his back.

“We’ll be back for Roxas later,” Yuffie added before turning to lead the way back to the village, Leon trailing behind. “We won’t be long.”

Evelyn nodded in approval as she took a quick glance through the glass of the Room of Awakening, watching as Roxas’ facial expressions began to change from a smile to a look of curiosity.

Still a few more memories to go, huh, Ventus? Evelyn thought to herself.

* * *

“So let me get this straight… an evil wizard took over your world, so you came here to start a new life? Sounds kinda cowardly,” said one of the scientists as he scratched his eyepatch.

The three Chasers, Atticus, Ariannas, Ventus and King Cyril all nodded, enduring the accusation made about being cowardly.

“Braig, you really need to learn some social diplomacy,” said one of the other scientists.

“We’re not really looking to ‘start a new life’,” King Cyril corrected. “We just need a place to stay hidden from our enemies until we find a way to take back the world that was stolen from us,” King Cyril continued before looking down at the four-month old baby that was cuddled safely in his arms.

“Would that be your daughter, brave King?” asked Ansem the Wise.

“Yes… this would be Kairi,” King Cyril smiled warmly at her.

“I see,” Ansem spared a smile for the crimson-haired child as well. “It must be hard to raise a child during a time of war.”

“Part of the reason why we came searching for another world was that so maybe Kairi could try to live a normal life, away from the toils of our homeland,” King Cyril explained. “If possible, I was hoping she could do that here.”

Ansem turned to his subordinates. “Well, what do you say, men? Shall we let them stay here with us? It’d be a perfect place for them to settle down.”

“I have one condition,” the blonde-haired scientist of the group spoke.

“What is it, Even?” Ansem inquired.

“Oh boy, here we go,” a shorter scientist named Ienzo rolled his eyes. “The man’s an extortionist.”

“I would much like to examine those weapons you were holding when you first arrived here, back at our lab,” Even started. “You know, those blades that you can make appear and disappear in flashes of light.”

“Oh, the Keyblade,” Ventus stated before summoning his blade in front of the group.

Several awes of wonderment escaped the lips of the intrigued scientists as they gathered around the apparition that appeared before them, inspecting it like an otherworldly specimen.

“Ventus!” Atticus barked.

“Sorry, Captain,” Ventus apologized before de-summoning the blade.

Even frowned in disappointment, while Ienzo let out an amused chuckle at the blonde-haired scientist’s distressing expression.

“These kind scientists will allow us to stay here if we allow them to examine the Keyblade,” King Cyril reiterated. “I’d say it’s a pretty fair bargain, don’t you think?”

“But Your Highness, if they found a way to create their own Keyblade weaponry—” Ariannas started.

“Us? Weaponry?” Ansem turned to his fellow scientists.

Ansem’s rhetorical inquiry was met with gestures of approval as all but a silver-haired man named Xehanort joined in a jovial moment of amused laughter.

“Good King,” Ansem chuckled. “We are a group of scientists that take interest in the human heart, and have been for many years now. My apprentice, Even here, is simply curious about that contraption that you call the Keyblade. Would you humour the curiosity of a man of science?”

King Cyril turned to his Chasers for approval of the matter after hearing Ansem’s seemingly harmless justification for why they wanted to see the Keyblade. They were humans like they were; it was highly unlikely that they could learn much about the Keyblade unless they possessed knowledge that those of the Mage Society did.

The Chasers simply bowed their heads, gesturing that the decision was up to their King.

“Dr. Ansem, you may do as you wish,” King Cyril concluded the deal.

“Well… won’t this be a fun side-project,” Ienzo sighed before taking his leave.

“Oh come now, Ienzo,” Even turned to tail after his colleague. “I’m sure there will be something you’ll like about the research.”

“Dilan, prepare the lab, we’ll be working overtime tonight,” Ansem said before turning back to his foreign visitors. “I will have my other apprentice, Aeleus, show you to your rooms. Luckily for you, I happen to own this entire palace, so I hope that you can still be able to feel like royalty here, gallant visitors.”

“We are in your debt, good scientist,” King Cyril and others bowed together in unison.

“Welcome to Radiant Garden, my friends,” Ansem smiled graciously at the four armoured warriors before leaving to follow after his subordinates.

* * *

“Kairi?” a gentle voice called to her.

Kairi perked her head up, searching in each direction of the seamless white void that surrounded her, looking for the sound of the voice, but there was no one, or nothing to be seen. The voice seemed to come from every direction, echoing vibrantly in each of her ears.

“NaminÃ©? Is that you?” Kairi asked.

“Yes,” came her response. “I’m glad you still remember my voice.”

“Well of course I would,” Kairi chuckled. “I don’t think I could ever forget.”

“That’s good,” NaminÃ© replied.

Kairi felt somewhat dissatisfied with not being able to see the girl she had such a clear picture of in her mind. The presence of NaminÃ© was so alive around her, yet the blonde-haired female was nowhere to be seen. Feeling her being so close, yet unable to greet her with her own two eyes, it was such a lonely feeling.

“NaminÃ©, where are you? Come on out, would you?” Kairi chuckled. “It’s no fun talking to nothing but this white void.”

“…I can’t,” NaminÃ© replied.

“Why not?” Kairi complained. “You’ve shown yourself to me before, why not now?”

“Do you…” NaminÃ©’s tone softened. “Do you remember everything now, Kairi? Your past? About who you really are?”

Kairi looked down at the floor, somewhat catching on to what NaminÃ© was trying to say. “Yes… I remember everything.”

“That is why… you can’t see me anymore,” NaminÃ© explained.

A sorrowful smile crept onto Kairi’s face. She finally understood.

“My missing memories… my Dreamweaver powers…” Kairi spoke quietly. “They were inside of you… weren’t they, NaminÃ©?”

NaminÃ© chuckled. “Every last one.”

Kairi could feel a hand on her shoulder. It was warm and soothing on her skin.

“Do you now know why I was able to alter Sora’s memories? And seem to be able to do the impossible?”

Kairi placed her hand over NaminÃ©’s, knowing where it was even though she couldn’t see it. “The Reality Refraction Phenomenon… right?”

“That’s right,” NaminÃ© agreed. “But now all of that belongs to you again, all my powers, all my memories. Well… they were always yours, and I was always you.”

Kairi closed her eyes, accepting what NaminÃ© was saying. “What happens now, NaminÃ©?

“I’ve come to say good bye,” NaminÃ© explained. “This will probably be the last time you and I will be able to talk like this.”

Kairi’s eyes went wide. “Wait… don’t say that.”

“From now on, your thoughts will be my thoughts, and my thoughts will be yours. We won’t be able to talk like this, but… I will still be here, right by your side, fighting alongside you.”

Kairi’s shoulders dropped, feeling somewhat defeated by NaminÃ©’s resolve. It would seem that no matter what she was going to say, the outcome would’ve most likely ended up the same way in the end. She would have to accept what was about to come.

“It was fun, Kairi,” NaminÃ©’s voice was angelic.

“Yeah,” Kairi nodded. “It really was.”

Kairi could feel NaminÃ©’s presence beginning to fade all around her as they continued talking. For the last few moments, Kairi and NaminÃ© spent that time sharing their thoughts on anything and everything that came to mind, simply because it was the last and only time NaminÃ© could share such things with Kairi before the two of them finally reunited. Although the last few moments lasted only a few seconds, it was enough to feel like a lifetime had gone by for the pair as their chat slowly came to an end.

“Hey, NaminÃ©,” Kairi called one last time.

“Yes, Kairi?”

“… Thanks, for looking after me,” Kairi felt a tear slide down her cheek. “I will never forget you.”

“I know you won’t,” NaminÃ© replied before finally fading off completely, resting peacefully in the depths of Kairi’s mind and heart.

* * *

A blurred vision greeted the newly Awakened Princess as she stirred from her sleep. Although renewed in several ways, there was no justice paid to the headache that she had suffered shortly after her removal from the Room of Awakening. Her head still felt heavy, and pain lingered in her arms and legs as she made every effort to sit up. It had been quite a long time since her last blackout, but her instinct was telling her that she would no longer be experiencing any of those anymore, not after having that final meeting with NaminÃ© in her dreams.

She remembered everything now, about the Dreamweavers, about her father King Cyril III, about the three Chasers who had cared for her during her father’s absence; she had remembered all of it. She remembered every word she spoke, every emotion she felt; every little detail that had she had managed to forget all those years ago had now vividly taken root back into the canals of her history. Like the last few pieces to complete a puzzle, Kairi finally felt she had found all the answers she was looking for. Living her entire life with the feeling that there was missing inside of her had been something she eventually grew to accept. It was something she found easy to ignore when she constantly kept looking to the future. Riku and Sora were the part of her life that made it easy to deal with the anxiety of not knowing where she came from or who her parents were. But after finally knowing the complete truth of her heritage, her history, she felt she was reborn with a new power of confidence. Not only that, she could feel a power burning deep within that she could only guess was the strength of the Dreamweaver inside her that had finally reawakened. It was a thrilling feeling; at least, it would’ve been if it were not for the persisting headache that continued to plague her sinuses.

After finally coming back from her moment of reflection, Kairi spotted the back of a certain brunette sitting several beds down from where she was. His posture was slouched, and although she couldn’t see his face, she could tell he was wearing an expression that carried an exceptional amount of despair and misery.

“Sora?” Kairi called out to him.

A part of her expected him to jump at the sound of her voice calling his name. Another part wanted him to jump at the sound of her voice. But the sullen Key Bearer didn’t even flinch.

“You’re finally awake,” Sora replied, not turning his body to face the girl that he had in fact, been nursing since Leon and Yuffie brought her to the safe house.

“How’re you feeling…?” Kairi sat up in her bed, twisting to plant her feet on the floor. “Did you catch up on some sleep?”

No, was the correct answer. He wasn’t tired to begin with.

“Yeah… I had a nice long nap,” Sora answered.

The boy was lying to her, Kairi thought. It all became suddenly obvious.

Kairi didn’t know if it was because she had Awakened and gained an incredible boost of confidence in herself that she was now able to see right through Sora’s incredibly weak faÃ§ade that masked his crestfallen disposition, but the young Princess wanted to fix whatever it was that was eating away at the Sora that she had been missing for the past few days.

“What’s wrong, Sora?” Kairi asked worriedly.

Sora’s face finally showed some reaction as he raised his brows. “What do you mean?”

“Come on, Sora… don’t play dumb,” Kairi chuckled. “You’ve been acting strange since Roxas, erm, I mean Ventus, came back.”

Sora closed his eyes in recoil from Kairi’s correction. The inevitability of being reminded of what he truly was became surely the most depressing thing Sora had come to realize about the entire ordeal.

“Nothing’s wrong,” his voice was more firm.

“Oh~ I see, that’s how it is, huh,” Kairi scurried over to the young protagonist’s bed. As expertly as she had done many times before during their two year return at Destiny Islands, the conniving red-head closed in behind the inattentive brunette before swiftly poking his sides with each of her index fingers.

Sora’s body jerked slightly before swatting away her invasive hands with his own. “Stop that.”

“Stop whaaaat, Sora?” Kairi poked his sides once more.

Sora repelled her hands once more. “I really mean it. Stop it.”

“Then tell me what’s wrong,” Kairi poked the back of his head playfully.

“Nothing’s wrong!” Sora bolted to his feet, his volume of his voice raised significantly.

Kairi shifted backwards in shock, not expecting Sora to overreact the way he did. She was aware that losing the Keyblade was definitely a focal point of his sorrow, but she surely didn’t feel it would bring him this far down the road of anguish, at least not enough to lose the kindness and fun loving humour that she was certain was engraved into his very soul. What was it that was bugging him so?

“Is this about the Keyblade?” Kairi felt somewhat hurt at the nastiness of his tone. “Because if it is, you’re definitely thinking about it too much.”

Sora couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Was Kairi actually insinuating that she knew what he was going through?

“Kairi, don’t talk as if you know how I’m feeling, because you really don’t,” Sora replied bitterly.

“Then help me understand,” Kairi replied. “It’s obvious now that something’s bothering you, and it better be more than just about the Keyblade.”

“And what if it’s just about the Keyblade?”

“Then you’re definitely not the Sora I know,” Kairi declared icily.

“There! You’ve nailed it! I’m not the Sora you know,” Sora replied. “I’m someone completely different!”

“What’s the matter with you?” Kairi was slowly becoming more upset.

“I’m sick and tired of people telling me who I am, and who I’m supposed to be,” Sora started. “I will never be what you want me to be, Kairi!”

“I’m not asking you to be anything other than yourself, Sora!”

“Then what’s this about “Then you’re definitely not the Sora I know”, huh!? Were you not just putting expectations on me just now?!”

“No! I was just trying to remind you of what kind of person you really are!”

“You don’t know what kind of person I am! You don’t know what I’m thinking about or how I feel!”

“Then for goodness sakes, tell me! What’s wrong, Sora! What’s wrong!”

“Gods, you are so annoying!” Sora hissed indelicately. “I can’t stand people like you! When I act a certain way that pleases you, that’s “who I am” or “who I’m supposed to be”, but once I start behaving a way that isn’t appealing to you, suddenly I’m “not acting normal” or “there’s something wrong with me”. I’m sick and tired of all of it! This is me, Kairi! I’m not one of those storybook heroes who do all the right things at the right time, and say the right things when they need to be said! Real life isn’t like that, Kairi! Things aren’t how you picture them to be! Things don’t turn out the way you want them to! People are not who you think they are! I will never be the person you think I am!”

Kairi sat in silence, watching as the man she thought she was in love with slowly drifted further and further away. It seemed that each time she tried to reel him back to the world that she knew he belonged to, he would only pull away harder and harder, even if it meant he had to break every bone in his body: he would not come back to her. He refused to come back to her. Why was that? Kairi thought. What was it that was seducing him so, making him believe that the path he was walking down was the only path left for him to trek? How could it be that such a selfless, down-to-earth person like Sora could be so blind, so merciless; so cruel? Were the waters of loneliness so entrancing that he was willing to sacrifice everything he had known up to this point? Was it worth throwing it all away? Kairi couldn’t understand; she would never understand.

“How…” Kairi was almost breathless.

Sora remained silent and still, his back turned to her as he balled his fists; something was wrong.

“How… how can you say such things?” she continued. “How can you stand there… and scream such things with so much confidence? Do you truly believe… in what you’re saying?”

Sora found himself verbally paralyzed at the swan song that Kairi was now playing for him. Her words were piercing him deeper than anything he had ever experienced before. It made him feel angry… about everything. His anger was not directed at any one individual, but all that existed. He hated the fact Kairi was sad, but also the fact she had so much faith in him. He hated the fact they were arguing; he hated the fact that he wasn’t back home on the Islands with Riku and Kairi; he hated the fact that this entire journey was happening; he hated the fact that he was a reincarnation; he hated everything at that moment.

“What happened to the Sora that I napped with on the roof of Merlin’s Study? The Sora that caused such a ruckus at Donald’s wedding? The Sora that I woke up beside every single time I blacked out?” Kairi could feel more tears coming down her cheeks. “What happened to the Sora who was so excited to see Santa Claus, and the Sora who made us jump through that ridiculous Christmas tree trunk door? The same Sora I ran around the Twilight Town Forest with listening to trees with?”

“Kairi stop…” Sora tried to interrupt.

“I won’t stop!”

“Kairi—”

“I will not stop!” Kairi screamed until her voice gave in.

Silence engulfed the two as Sora was forced to ponder what had just transpired over the sound of Kairi’s miserable sobs and tears. Was it possible that Sora had just made the most wonderful girl he had ever met, cry? No, crying was a euphemism. Did he just mercilessly rip apart the emotions of the one girl he had ever fallen in love with? A sobbing Kairi and a thoroughly humiliated Sora both pointed to yes. It was in this sole testimony that Sora could regretfully say that he no longer felt fit to continue being at her side.

No, it wasn’t about being a Keyblader anymore, or that he really had no purpose being with the rest of the group. That was already long in the past. Sora had remembered the entire reason that he had not confessed his feelings for the young girl was because he had nothing to offer her but a life full of risks and life-threatening danger. He felt he had no right to ask her to be his as long as the Keyblade was still with him. He got his wish, didn’t he? At least, that’s what it may have seemed like. For Sora, it was one thing if he no longer had the Keyblade because it was no longer needed, but it was quite another if he lost the Keyblade when it was still needed to protect the people he loved, namely Kairi. But even after that was taken into consideration, even after losing the Keyblade, Sora not only forfeited his right as Kairi’s protector, but also his right to be someone important in her life.

It was obvious now that Sora felt he was not worthy to be in the presence of any of the important people who had fought alongside him in the past, and definitely not someone who should be in Kairi’s life, especially now during what would probably end up being her gravest days yet. “I want to be her protector” was nothing more but a childish desire, spoken by those who know not how to accomplish what they say they’d do.

“I’m… going outside,” Sora muttered before slowly walking toward the exit, walking swiftly past Kairi who sat helplessly on the floor, her eyes red from crying.

Not another word escaped Sora’s lips as he reached the entrance of the room, pausing for a moment at the door as if he were hesitating on leaving. After shutting his eyes once more to lose himself in his thoughts, the Key Bearer proceeded to close the door behind him, hearing the sound of the stone lock into its groove, leaving a heartbroken Kairi to ponder over just what had happened between the two of them.
Click to expand...

I did get a chance to proof-read this one, but there's probably still some errors in there that I haven't caught. Hell, every now and then I'll read older chapters, and I *still* find myself rephrasing some lines or correcting mistakes.

Anyway, hopefully you've enjoyed yet another quick chapter update. I have no idea how much longer this will go on. But we'll see.
Soushirei, Jul 21, 2007
Soushirei, Jul 21, 2007
#152
HOSPITAL STAT! i knock tits

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(aw man, took me long enough to finally post.)

I'm way pissed I have a fucking relative to spoil the reading for me. God, imagine a six year old twat being a downright nag, whining to watch Earth Worm Jim and sitting on your lap while you're trying reading. AND SHE'S STILL BLOODY SITTING ON MY LAP AAAAARGH. TYPING WITH ONE HAND IS NOT COMFORTABLE.

Sorry, really pissed atm. Anyway I digress.

Oh la la, that was some drama in this chapter >_> You're right, this IS the best chapter yet and I can see how you managed to get it done so quickly. XD I feel particularly bad for Sora, I kinda see where he's coming from.

So, NaminÃ©...was Kairi's memories, hmm. I somehow thought she'd be Arianna, but I guess that was just a mere wish. Would've been nice to see something going on, between 'Ventus' and 'Ari', what with the hints you already dropped in this chapter. ...Or is that a surprise for later?! 8D

You've really outdone yourself with this chapter. I love and you and your work sOoOoOoOoOooo much~~~~~ oooooooooh<333333
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 21, 2007
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 21, 2007
#153
TAFKAA8 Banned

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Very good, as always. You know, all the same kinda things make this whole thing worth reading. Surprised at the quick update. I hope this becomes a trend 'cause I hate waiting and brooding about it, 'cause I'll never have a good enough answer to what will happen next. Have a nice day.

Why? 'Cause I face you sideways.

Now we have to go to the crappy town where I'm a hero!
TAFKAA8, Jul 21, 2007
TAFKAA8, Jul 21, 2007
#154
draik88 Twilight Town Denizen

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Are you REALLY sure you want to know? O.o

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Your sudden increase in chapters not only astounds me... but slightly frightens me aswell...o.0;

...This chapter was sooooooo DEEP!!! I think I had a slight emotion-explosion!!!!

"Emotional Rollercoaster" is an understatment... "Emotion Hurl-a-Whirl" was more like it in my case... I really enjoyed the fight between Sora and Kairi... as evil as that sounds, just the way you wrote it... I can't even find the words to describe it. Definatly my favorite chapter so far! ^^ ...I noticed one mistake... but I can't quite remember where it was... if I find it again though, I'll tell you.

Like I always say, but especially fter reading this chapter, can't wait for the next one! I hope the sudden amount of updates keeps up and it comes out soon!

It Truly Is A Wonderful World...

But What Will you Do...

When The World Ends With You...
draik88, Jul 21, 2007
draik88, Jul 21, 2007
#155
Darktorith Merlin's Housekeeper

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What a great chapter but i really think Sora should really tell Kairi about how he feals. I was sure kairi was going to say she loves sora but they just fought and fought untill they wanted to kill each other!

My friends call me Toaar, but you can call me Darktorith, Angel in disguise....
Darktorith, Jul 21, 2007
Darktorith, Jul 21, 2007
#156
Soushirei 運命の欠片

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Darktorith said: ↑

What a great chapter but i really think Sora should really tell Kairi about how he feals. I was sure kairi was going to say she loves sora but they just fought and fought untill they wanted to kill each other!
Click to expand...

Well, Sora's at the point where he feels he's completely useless as a member of the team. It seemed to him that the more they unravelled Kairi's past, the more and more unimportant/useless he felt he was becoming. It doesn't make much sense for Sora to be completely downcast about his identity and go "Kairi, I love you!". To tell someone you love them (at least in the way it's going to be intended in this fic) requires a great amount of confidence in one's self, and to see oneself as 'worthy' of being loved in return. I love you basically is a declaration of "Be with me, we can be happy together". This obviously isn't the case with Sora. He feels he Kairi is now very out of his league.

As for Kairi, she originally perceived Sora's depression as something simple. Everyone gets a little down at times; that's basically how she saw it. But when she realized that Sora was actually serious, she was incredibly shocked that he was capable of believing such things; the Sora she knew wouldn't allow himself to be so bothered by something so 'trivial'.

The reason they continued to fight was because despite Kairi repeatedly imploring Sora to tell her "What's wrong", Sora adamantly refuses. Kairi doesn't realize that losing the Keyblade isn't the only thing that's bothering him. And despite her best efforts to try to fish it out of him, she basically gets slapped in the face for attempting. Sora basically cut the fish line that was trying to reel him in.

It wouldn't really fit for Kairi to make her confession here because the atmosphere isn't right. You don't tell someone you love them when they're in the middle of trying to redefine their identity. Sora is far too confused with trying to figure out just who he is now; he's completely unfit to deal with a love confession because then he wouldn't know exactly why Kairi loves him. Or even worse, he won't believe it.
Soushirei, Jul 21, 2007
Soushirei, Jul 21, 2007
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Soushirei 運命の欠片

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Here's Chapter 16. It's not quite as eventful as the others, and I was surprised how few events managed to take out one whole chapter. However, I feel that what was covered in this chapter is one of the most important parts of the fic, something I didn't want to rush. Anyway, hope you all enjoy this chapter.

-- Chapter Sixteen --

“Ven?” came the soft voice of Ariannas as she spotted her comrade in the distance. Her greaves buckled quietly beneath her as she took a step forward, the metallic sounds of her armour clanking as she made her way toward the blonde-haired boy. “You should hurry up and get dressed, Ven. We’ll be leaving soon.”

“… How’s the King? And Lady Renalyn?” Ventus asked quietly.

Ariannas paused, taking a deep breath. “They haven’t come to, yet…” hesitation lingered in her voice. “The medical staff isn’t sure if they can stabilize their condition.”

“I see…” Ventus mumbled to himself.

“But that isn’t the reason why you called me here, isn’t it?” Ariannas placed her helm off to her side, taking a seat beside her forlorn colleague.

“Sharp as always, aren’t you, Ari,” Ventus let out a weak laugh.

“What’s wrong, Ven?” Ariannas asked with concern.

Ventus propped up one of his legs, resting a free arm over the cap of his knee as he gazed aimlessly ahead with wonderment. “We’re leaving to go take on Nocenarus, right?”

Ariannas nodded. “That’s right. We need to buy the Dreamweavers time to escape before Nocenarus gets here. We’re the only ones who can do it now.”

“Even though we’re not strong enough to defeat him, right?” Ventus added.

“That’s right,” Ariannas nodded once more. “But what’s really bothering you? Are you scared?”

“Naturally,” Ventus sighed, almost in a whisper. “Aren’t you?”

Ariannas leaned in closer to her downcast partner, resting her head on his shoulder. “To death.”

For Ventus, the physical pain and the thought of dying weren’t as scary as the thought of disappearing forever from existence. Until he became one of the Chasers, there was very little that Ventus missed about growing up or the memories he had as a child. King Cyril and his Captain, Atticus, as well as Ariannas and young Princess Kairi; these were the only people in his life that he really cared about. They were his entire life; the memories he had with them were the only things he cared to remember, the only things he wanted to preserve. For a history that wasn’t so deeply rooted—as it had only been several years since all those people had entered his life—Ventus didn’t feel prepared to lose his life just yet. Not yet, he wished. There was so much more living he wished to do, so much more he wanted to experience. He wished there was more time to laugh and have fun, something that was constantly taken away from him for being the kind of warrior he was; a Chaser’s life was constantly at risk, with no time to sit back and enjoy life’s pleasantries.

“Ven,” Ariannas whispered softly.

“Yes?” Ventus replied kindly.

The young Chaser could feel the arms of the woman beside him slowly wrap around his waist, pulling him closer, hugging him tighter.

“I love you,” she declared as articulately as she could. “There may not be another time that I can say that to you… having you here like this.”

Ventus slowly lowered his head on top of hers, closing his eyes as he gently nuzzled against her silky blue locks with his cheek. “I love you too, Ariannas.”

--

A pair of ocean-blue eyes slowly opened from inside the Room of Awakening, glancing forward as its vision gradually began to return. The faint muffled sound of a voice could be made out as the ocean-blue orbs caught sight of a young raven-haired woman behind a window, banging repeatedly on the glass, yelling off to someone off to the side that couldn’t be seen.

“Lady Evelyn, he’s awake,” Yuffie spoke as she turned back to glimpse through the window.

In comparison to Kairi, upon coming back into consciousness, he seemed a lot more composed; depressive was almost a better way to describe his expression as Yuffie took some extra time to analyze the look on the blonde warrior’s face. It certainly didn’t look like he’d be needing their help to be escorted outside the chamber as the now “Awakened Roxas” calmly got to his feet when he heard the chamber door open. Running a hand through his hair as if he had just woken up from a long nap, the Keyblading youth stepped outside the chamber, carefully eyeing his company. He turned his attention to the white-robed Evelyn.

“Lady Evelyn,” he greeted warmly. “It really has been a while.”

“It has, Master Ventus,” she replied with a smile. “You haven’t aged a day.”

Ventus let out an amused chuckle. “It’s not like I was alive to continue aging, now was I?”

Yuffie and Leon stared intently at the youthful Chaser before them. He did look like he aged a bit, but that was in comparison to Roxas’ original appearance when he had first entered the chamber. Although Sora had matured physically since the pair had last seen him, when Roxas was forcefully removed from Sora’s body, he still retained the fifteen-year-old look that he had during his days at Twilight Town. But after seeing him fully restored as Ventus, it was obvious that he now looked a lot older, possibly matching Sora’s age—if not older.

“Stop staring at me like that, Leon, Yuffie,” Ventus darted his head to the side, somewhat embarrassed.

“You know our names?” Yuffie blinked in surprise.

“I still have Roxas’ memories, you know,” Ventus sighed. “Although I would prefer it if you called me Ventus from now on.”

Leon and Yuffie both nodded in agreement.

Ventus looked around. “Where are Sora and Lady Kairi?”

“They should be back at the safe house,” Leon explained. “Kairi’s recovery was a little bumpy, so Yuffie and I brought her back to the safe house to rest up.”

“I see,” Ventus had a twinkle in his eye. “Can you please bring me to Sora?”

“Sure,” Yuffie nodded before turning to leave along with Leon who was leading the way. “Let’s go, Leon.”

The three warriors bid their farewells to Evelyn and offered their thanks before leaving to regroup with their two comrades back at the safe house.

* * *

Sora was unsure how long he had walked, or how far he was from the safe house. It wasn’t exactly the smartest thing he could’ve done, seeing as he definitely wasn’t paying attention to all the lefts and rights he was making, making it impossible to retrace his steps once he felt like going back. Oh well, he thought. It still seemed within his ability to get back to the main square once he backtracked to an area where there were people. He could surely ask them for directions, couldn’t he—at least, the ones that didn’t throw stones at him when he passed them by. Sora tried to recall just how many villagers that left him with. Not many, it seemed. He would just simply continue walking forward until he thought of a better idea.

There wasn’t much motivation to think of a reason why he should head back to the safe house, especially after the huge quarrel he had just finished having with Kairi. There was just no way that he was going to be let off the hook once Yuffie started butting into the affair. That kunoichi was very good at intervening with other people’s personal lives. No one could really blame her; she was such a sucker for drama—of any kind. It must’ve sucked hanging around Cloud all the time.

The young protagonist eventually found his way back toward the open foyer that they had come across when they first arrived. It was simply a miracle that Sora managed to backtrack so accurately. If the Key Bearer were a devout believer of omens, he would’ve surely taken this as a sign to board his gummi ship and take off into the interspace, blind as a bat. He naturally refused to take such a course of action when he thought about it earlier, but coming across the foyer entrance sure made it an easier choice to make since he was now so close to the gummi’s location. Sora couldn’t make up his mind and decided on a more postponing solution while he continued to ponder further on what to do; he would continue walking.

There was one strange thing that Sora did notice when he first entered the foyer: there were no guards by the gates. If there had been, it would’ve taken less time for the spiky haired brunette to recognize the area he was in, as the absence of the guards made it easier for him to not notice the burgundy gates—which were still open from the time they entered.

“That’s… not right,” Sora thought out loud as he took a moment to scan his surroundings, seeing if there were any guards taking a stroll some distance away, or taking a snooze someplace where they weren’t supposed to.

In the end, Sora was still completely alone.

“Well, isn’t this surprising,” an ominous female voice called out. “The Key Bearer… all alone.”

“Yes… it’s almost too convenient, I have to agree,” a second voice, this time a male’s, spoke out.

Sora narrowed his eyes as he tried to make sense of the auras he was sensing nearby. Both auras were cleverly dispersed among the large foyer, making it impossible for Sora to determine just where they were located, but one thing was definitely certain.

“Nobodies,” Sora growled.

* * *

“Lady Kairi!” Ventus yelled as he quickly rushed to his fallen Princess, who sat sloppily across the dry stony floor of the room.

Kairi turned to see just who it was that was addressing her so formally. The tone and intonation was strangely familiar, but she couldn’t think of the name at that present moment. Her answer came quickly to mind after her eyes greeted her with a warm pair of blue eyes, and spiky blonde locks that decorated his scalp.

“Venny… is that you!?” Kairi threw her arms around his neck. “It’s really you! You’re alive! How are you here!?”

“Venny?” Yuffie and Leon exchanged looks of puzzlement.

“It’s a long story,” Ventus grimaced, being unprepared for Kairi’s violent enthusiasm. When their cheeks made contact, Ventus could feel some moisture from her skin rubbing against his, a particular texture which resembled that of water concentrated with salt. “Kairi… have you been crying?”

Kairi felt her face flush as she pulled back, looking away. “N-No! I haven’t!”

Ventus raised an eyebrow. “Then why were you on the floor?” The young Chaser looked around the room. “And where’s Sora?”

There was a moment of silence that followed as Kairi refused to answer Ventus’ questions, while Leon and Yuffie both brainstormed the issue.

Naturally, Yuffie was the first to make the assessment. “Ohhh, I see what’s going on.”

“Explain,” Ventus turned to look up at Yuffie, almost as if he was ordering her.

“She and Sora obviously had a fight,” Yuffie explained. “That’s why she’s been crying and sitting here all alone, and Sora’s obviously no where to be seen. He left!”

“No! That’s not true!” Kairi argued. “Sora just said he needed to take a walk!”

“A walk my ass,” Yuffie scoffed. “Honestly, that boy is the worst liar I know. He doesn’t have the talent for it.”

“Yuffie, you only say that because you’re the biggest liar here,” Leon replied.

A powerful jab came swiftly to Leon’s gut shortly after.

“That idiot moves quicker than I thought,” Ventus got to his feet. “I’ll find him. You two look after Lady Kairi for me.”

“No problem!” Yuffie smiled gleefully as she squirmed from side to side, holding Leon in an unbreakable headlock.

* * *

“What’s wrong, Key Bearer? You haven’t tried attacking us once yet,” one of the Nobodies taunted as she held up another small dagger. “Honestly, it’s no fun when they won’t fight back, don’t you agree, Marluxia?”

“I don’t care about fun,” Marluxia snarled in response. “But it would sure make coming here worth the trip if this damn brat would actually do something!”

A swarm of rose petal sickles came Sora’s way as Marluxia slashed the empty air several times with his scythe.

Sora grunted as Marluxia unleashed yet another wave of his dangerous sickles. It was easy enough to dodge roll around the bridge to avoid the incoming attacks, but without the Keyblade, there was no feasible way for Sora to make a counterattack. He was at the complete mercy of the Nobodies.

Larxene shook her head. “Well that’s fine. Luckily for you, Key Bearer, we didn’t come here to kill you.”

“…What?” Sora asked between pants.

“Marluxia, let’s go,” Larxene ordered. “We’ve completed our objective. Let’s report back to Nemas.”

A devilish smirk smeared across Marluxia’s face. “Oh you go ahead and do that, Larxene. I think I’ll stay here and finish him off.”

Larxene glared suspiciously at her comrade. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“You know exactly who this guy is, Larxene,” Marluxia started. “He’s an impulsive, arrogant punk. If he could, he would’ve already unleashed his Keyblade and attacked us head on from the beginning.”

“What’s your point,” Larxene replied sourly.

“I don’t know why or how, and I reall couldn’t care less, it seems this fool can no longer use the Keyblade, that’s my point!”

Sora clenched his teeth. Damn it, they’ve figured it out, Sora thought.

Larxene thought to herself for a moment before breaking out in laughter. “Haha, wouldn’t that be something!”

A bright flash of light appeared suddenly, causing Sora to bring an arm in front of his eyes to shield against the intensity of the brightness. No more than a second later, Sora felt himself being pushed back into the wall of stone behind him. He instinctively tried to move out of the way in case a second attack was coming, but his body wouldn’t budge, or rather, his clothes seemed to be preventing him from moving.

After the bright light subsided, Sora took a good look at what appeared to be several daggers surrounding his body, piercing through his clothes and into the rock wall behind him. He was pinned against a wall, helpless and defenseless.

Marluxia rolled his eyes at Larxene. “So now you feel like staying, huh?”

Larxene cackled demonically. “Relax, I just got a little excited, that’s all. He’s all yours now.”

Marluxia raised his scythe above his head, preparing himself for his next attack. “For once, you’re being considerate.”

Sora felt his heart beating furiously from inside his chest. He was definitely in trouble, but it was painfully clear that he would be unable to prevent Marluxia’s next attack, despite whatever effort he could make and whatever determination he had to survive.

“Foolish Key Bearer, it’s been fun,” Marluxia announced. “I will admit that it took two tries to kill you, however, I can assure you that this second attempt was definitely an overwhelming victory for me.”

With those final words, Marluxia took off from his standing position, his body low to the ground like a speeding cheetah sprinting across the plains. His scythe was hanging directly parallel to his body, the tip sliding roughly against the rocky floor as the pink-haired Nobody continued to accelerate toward Sora’s immobile form.

Sora listened as Marluxia let out a triumphant laugh of sinister happiness as he continued to close in on Sora’s caged position. The Key Bearer couldn’t help but close his eyes once he spotted the obviously insane Marluxia bring his scythe forward. Sora began sweating from every pore as he let out what was probably his first genuine cry of fearing death, the first one of his life. But who could blame anyone for not releasing such a resounding scream of desperation in the situation that Sora found himself in.

Sora’s fear slowly began transforming into that of curiosity after he noticed that his screaming continued for quite possibly a good several seconds past his expectations. In fact, it didn’t seem like he was going to be silenced at all. Furthermore, he didn’t even feel the scythe make contact when he was positive the killing blow was imminent.

Sora peeked one eye open to see for himself just what had happened during the absence of his vision when he spotted a grayish apparatus hovering about a foot in front of him. After his vision cleared, Sora confirmed the gray apparatus to be that of armour made of strange material, unlike anything he had ever seen before. Sora continued to assess what he was seeing, eventually realizing that he was staring at the back of some sort of armoured knight. Along with his armour was a cape of similar colour that ruffled with the wind generated by the force of Marluxia’s sprint.

What Sora didn’t see was just how exactly the armoured knight managed to counter Marluxia’s assault. Marluxia’s scythe began sparking uncontrollably as the angry Nobody watched the tip of his blade being powerfully grinded down by the armoured knight’s chest plate instead of piercing it. The raw power that Marluxia was sensing was definitely real, and beyond anything he had every encountered before.

Marluxia went wide-eyed. “Who the—”

“Shut up,” Ventus interrupted before delivering a massive blow to Marluxia’s chest with his fist, sending him flying backward at a deadly speed.

“Ugh!” Marluxia grimaced.

“Marluxia!” Larxene screamed as she shot a death glare at the unwelcome visitor. Where the hell did that guy come from?

But Ventus was nowhere to found the moment after his fist made contact with Marluxia as Larxene and Sora both watched the fully restored Chaser suddenly vanish from sight. The reason for such haste became obviously clear as Sora watched Ventus reappear some distance away from Marluxia—who at the moment was still flying in midair from the Chaser’s initial attack. It was evident that Ventus’ plan was that of mockery as the armoured knight calmly stood his ground, watching as the winded Marluxia hit the ground and continuing sliding across the stone pavement, coming to a stop just before the tip of Ventus’ greaves.

Marluxia slowly opened his eyes, locking gazes with a tinted helm that despite not having a visible pair of eyes, pierced deeply into his soulless container.

Ventus looked down at his helpless opponent, tilting his helm to the side. “Enjoying the floor?”

“You insolent swine!” Marluxia yelled before quickly springing to his feet with the assistance of a cyclone of peony petals. With his nimble hands, the Graceful Assassin twirled his scythe around his wrist before going in for a hard horizontal slash at the Knight’s neck, aiming for decapitation.

Another loud clash echoed around the two assailants as the blade of Marluxia’s scythe was rudely rejected by the grip of Ventus’ left hand. Bladed steel grinding against each other was the sound that accompanied the deadlock of Marluxia’s attack as he found himself unable to pull his blade back.

A grin hid behind the tinted crystal of Ventus’ helmet as he slowly tightened the grip on Marluxia’s blade, steadily cracking the structure that held the weapon together.

“Hey…” Ventus spoke. “What’s this scythe of yours made out of?”

Marluxia growled, still unable to retrieve his blade. “Why do you care…”

“Because it feels like paper,” Ventus replied before crushing the blade of Marluxia’s scythe with his fingers. Pieces of the blade blew in all directions as Ventus proceeded to grind the shards that he held in his grip.

Marluxia could feel his anger spiraling out of control. “You’ll pay for—”

“Enough,” Ventus declared before delivering a clean slash across Marluxia’s chest with the Oathkeeper. Almost immediately, the defeated Nobody began to fade away into the depths of oblivion, but not before Ventus could have the pleasure of walking through him as his body dematerialized.

I didn’t even see when he summoned his Keyblade, Sora thought to himself.

Larxene hovered above the foyer, frozen and quivering in shock as she watched the mysterious armoured knight single-handedly dispose of Marluxia—not to mention quite effortlessly as well.

This guy is ridiculously strong, Larxene thought to herself. And what the hell is up with all that armour?

“Not going to run away?” came Ventus’ next provocation. “Nobodies sure have a lot of pride, it’s such a horrible flaw.”

“You sure know how to use that mouth of yours, stranger,” Larxene commented coyly. “We’d make a fine pair, you and I.”

“I highly doubt that,” Ventus responded coldly.

“Shame,” Larxene shrugged. “Oh well, then allow me to show you what you’re missing!”

The patented laugh of Larxene rang resoundingly around the foyer as the crazed Savage Nymph disappeared in a bolt of lightning, gone from sight but evidently carrying ill intent. Strings of lightning could be seen running wild amidst the sky above them, a strong wind beginning to blow from the power the female Nobody generated from her self-induced thunderstorm. The crackling of thunder blended with her maniacal cackling as Ventus waited patiently for the next attack that was definitely prepared for him. His cape tossed and turned with the wind as the armoured Chaser honed in on Larxene’s aura, making sure to keep her within his sights.

Suddenly, a stream of daggers began raining from the sky above, each coated with a current of electricity as they all closed in on Ventus’ position. The sheer number of them was enough to make Sora nervous about Ventus’ safety. There were at least a hundred of them already locked onto Ventus, and the young Key Bearer was certain that the electric-blonde psycho had more waiting to be used.

Ventus held out both of his arms, summoning the Oblivion and Oathkeeper in each of his hands before holding them at his sides. He waited for the daggers to inch closer to his body before finally repelling them with his blades. Sora watched in awe as the powerful Chaser, Ventus, danced dexterously around the bridge of the foyer, repelling and deflecting each and every dagger that came his way with ease. And while the numbers of daggers only continued to increase as time went on, it seemed that Ventus was still far from his limit as he picked up his speed. Hundreds of repelled daggers began falling down the bottomless pit that waited below while other daggers simply thudded harmlessly onto the bridge’s rocky surface, their electrical energy drained.

After several minutes of repelling Larxene’s lethal onslaught of infinite daggers, the heavy forecast of metallic thunder had finally ceased. Smoke steamed up from Ventus’ blades as they began hissing from the heated friction that had relentlessly barted the exterior of his Keyblades during the prolonged assault. But despite the apparent intensity that brought both the Oblivion and Oathkeeper to such a state, it was miraculous to find neither a scratch nor a dent in either of them.

A baleful pause occurred as the foyer faded into silence. A pile of useless daggers surrounding the young Chaser as he returned back to his original position, the stance he took before Larxene began her attack.

“I will admit,” Ventus stretched his neck from side to side. “That was a good exercise.”

But that would be Ventus’ last words for the Savage Nymph before he glared at a particular spot in the sky before moving to strike her down with a single Keyblade throw. Even during his dagger-repelling performance, he was still able to keep an eye on just where Larxene was at every given moment. Even now was no different as Ventus watched the Oblivion strike her out of the sky, hearing her scream in agony as the blade pierced cleanly through her torso.

Larxene gasped in recoil from the attack. “Y-you… you *******…”

Ventus remained silent as he watched the last of Nemas’ Nobodies disappear helplessly into the wind. He de-summoned the Oathkeeper in his other hand before finally turning to face Sora, who was sitting dolefully on the floor, his back against the wall.

“I see you finally got out of those restraints,” Ventus commented.

“I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I couldn’t,” Sora’s voice had a hint of sarcasm in it.

“Where were you going?” came the first of Ventus’ interrogative questions.

“Away from here,” Sora replied. “Anywhere but here.”

“Now why would you do that?” Ventus asked dryly.

If Sora wanted to play the sarcasm game, Ventus was all for it.

“It’s none of your business!” Sora retorted before getting to his feet, turning to walk away. “I don’t know who you are, buddy, but—”

“You stop right there,” Ventus ordered, quickly resummoning the Oblivion, throwing it toward Sora’s direction, watching as it stabbed into the rock behind him, just a few millimeters short of his face.

Sora gasped as he jumped back, frightened. “Are you completely insane!? You could’ve killed me!”

Ventus quickly reached for his helm, twisting it for a moment before finally pulling it off his head, revealing the face that buried beneath it.

Sora took a good look at the identity of the mysterious Knight who had come to his rescue, sighing dejectedly once his eyes identified just who it was behind the helm and armour.

“I should’ve guessed it was you, Roxas,” Sora shook his head.

“The name is Ventus,” came the correction. “There’s a lot you need to be debriefed about, Key Bearer, and it would be a lot easier if you just didn’t go disappearing when you feel like it.”

“Well I don’t see how I can be of any help to you,” Sora began walking toward Ventus’ direction; it was the only way to the gummi ships, after all. “In case you forgot, I no longer have the Kingdom Key.”

Ventus let out an unsympathetic laugh. “And whose fault is that?”

Sora froze in his tracks, appalled at Ventus’ blatantly ignorant comment. That’s it, he thought. This Ventus character was really trying to piss him off.

“Are you an idiot? Do I really have to play this game with you?” Sora began. “The reason why I don’t have the Keyblade is incredibly obvious.”

“Yeah, I have to agree,” Ventus placed his helm at his side. “It’s completely your fault.”

Sora was insulted. “… What did you just say?”

“Yeah, the entire loss-of-the-Keyblade thing? Definitely your fault.”

“What the hell are you talking about?!” Sora yelled. “Don’t act stupid! I lost my Keyblade because you came back! I’m your goddamn reincarnation, for goodness sakes. The moment Roxas—I mean, you—came back, you took back everything that belonged to you from me! I’ve been nothing but a useless container for your entire legacy!”

Ventus shot Sora a look of disappointment, shaking his head sadly. “Well, it would seem I had you figured all wrong, Sora.”

“What?” Sora blinked.

“You sound just like a pathetic coward looking for a tragic tale to tell,” Ventus replied before recalling the Oblivion to his hand. “And it pisses me off that you turned out to be just that.”

“Coward?!” Sora exclaimed. “I have never run away from a single enemy in my entire life! I have put my life on the line countless times for the sake of this wretched multiverse. So don’t go—”

“Save it,” Ventus interrupted before raising his arm, pointing the tip of the Oblivion at Sora. “Since you seem so used to gambling your life away on a daily basis, I’ll make you a deal.”

Sora crossed his arms. “And what sort of deal could you possibly give me?”

“It’s really quite simple,” Ventus summoned the Oathkeeper in his other hand. “If you can knock either one of these Keyblades out of my hands, I’ll let you go wherever you desire, and I won’t stop you. You’ll be free as a bird!”

Sora raised an eyebrow. “That’s ridiculous! Of course you’ll make a deal like that because you know it’s impossible!”

“Well, for your sake you better make it possible,” Ventus started. “Because if you don’t find a way to knock one of these blades out of my hand, I will kill you.”

“What?? Have you gone mad?” Sora’s voice cracked.

“Shut up and start thinking!” Ventus ordered before lunging at Sora, both blades pulled back behind him.

“Stop it! Roxas!”

“That’s Ventus!”

“I really don’t care what your name is right now!” Sora screamed as he skillfully rolled under Ventus’ horizontal slash, before quickly taking off in the other direction.

“Such sluggish speed, and what terrible form! Had I been serious, your life would’ve ended already!”

“No one’s asking you to hold back!” Sora argued.

“I never knew death was such a high priority on your to-do list, Sora!” Ventus commented before going for another slash.

“You’re the one who proposed such a thing in the first place!”

“Excuses, excuses,” Ventus began to grow annoyed. “Is that all you’re good at doing now? Making up excuses for your own self-serving drama?”

“What is with you!” Sora grunted, almost losing his footing from a surprise lunge from Ventus. “I’m not making any excuses! I’m living up to the truth!”

“The truth?” Ventus began. “What truth!? Who said it was because of me that you lost the ability to wield a Keyblade, huh!? Who ever said that was the truth!”

For the first time, Sora found himself defeated by Ventus’ justifications. It was like a prelude to an epiphany that Sora would later realize how much of a change in perspective it would create. He repeatedly ran Lady Evelyn’s words through his head, desperately trying to find some sort of hint or clue that would defend him against Ventus’ instigations, but no such proof came from it.

“It is true that you suddenly lost the ability to summon the Kingdom Key after I was extracted from your body, but the reason why is never explained. Not by me, not by Lady Evelyn, not by anyone,” Ventus explained. “You were the one who concluded that it was me taking back what was mine, and what belonged to me, but is that really what you think, Sora?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” Sora asked back.

“What is the Kingdom Key to you, Sora?” Ventus continued his prying. “Is it a burden? To live on day by day with a foreboding fate? Do you resent having the responsibility of being a protector of the multiverse?”

Sora felt his thoughts beginning to spiral out of control as Ventus’ inquiries began to delve further into his core. “No! It’s not a burden at all! I don’t resent it at all!”

“Then why do you flee from it the first instance it disappears?” Ventus lunged for Sora. “Do you not want it back? Are you happy to be ridden of such a heavy responsibility? Are you satisfied with being nothing but another ignorant fool who decides to run away after learning so much?! Is that what you really think, Sora!”

“No!!” Sora yelled defiantly as he swiftly dodged to the side, his speed sharpening with his emotions. “That’s not it at all!”

“For what purpose did you wield the Kingdom Key, Sora!” Ventus gripped both of his blades tightly. “What were you fighting for all these years! All the scars you bear, all the tears you’ve cried, all the blood and sweat you’ve shed; what was that all for?! Was it for yourself? For me? For Kairi?!”

“I…” Sora felt his body begin to tremble, feeling unable to move.

It had been so long since his fight with Xehanort’s Heartless, his fight with Organization XIII; Sora had almost forgotten about what was going through his mind during each of those fights. The reasons his body kept going, the reasons his heart continued fighting, the reasons his mind and soul would never surrender in the midst of any evil that tried to take all that was precious to him. The emotions that ran through him during those days of glory were suddenly so vividly recollected in his mind at that moment; he began to wonder how he ever could’ve managed to be so unaware of them before. Sora did fight for those he cared about, to save his friends and return back to the place where he felt he belonged. But above all, Sora fought for himself. He fought because he felt he could make a difference, and that he could accomplish something that was greater than anything he ever imagined a person like him could do. Each time the young Key Bearer brought his blade down upon the enemy before him, it was a choice he freely made, with the thought and the belief that he was forging a path toward something great, something that countless people could be proud of him for.

“If you can’t even answer that…” Ventus bent his knees, his stance stout and fierce. “Then perhaps, you are truly not the person I was hoping you were.”

Sora watched as the blonde-haired Keyblader suddenly took off from the other end of the room, dashing rapidly toward his position. The young protagonist could see the passion that burned in Ventus’ eyes; the eyes of a tortured soul that seemed to understand things like justice and reason ever so well. Sora could see how much conviction lay behind those piercing ocean eyes. It was in every stride of his sprint, in every breath he inhaled and exhaled, in every muscle of his body that flexed; there was no question now that the Ventus that was charging forward had every sincere intention of destroying Sora, the person who tragically failed to live up to his expectations.

But that’s where Sora had to valiantly disagree.

“Ventus!!!” came Sora’s mighty and powerful roar. A golden glow began flickering around his body.

Their bodies were less than a second until impact.

“Sora!!!”

An explosive blast of immeasurable proportions erupted violently around the dueling pair as the sound of an electrifying pulse screeched across the acoustics of the foyer, cracking the solid rock surfaces of several freestanding pillars as they crumbled and fell down into the pits of oblivion below.

As the dust and debris steadily fluttered to the floor, silhouettes of the two spirited combatants progressively became more visible, both still appearing to be on their feet and within close contact. However, once the haze finally cleared, a huge surprise came to Sora as he felt a familiar weight gripped firmly within his hands. A glistening golden hilt, followed by a sparkling silver shaft and tip of the blade; these features were so foreign, yet so familiar to the sight and touch as Sora could only stare in wonderment at the sight before him. The Kingdom Key… what was that doing there in his hand? Sora thought. It had returned? Was this a dream? Sora looked around frantically, trying to confirm if he was indeed still in the world of the Dreamweavers and not mistaking the mysterious Keyblade apparition as a dream he had fallen into after being promptly knocked out—or possibly killed—by Ventus’ attack.

Sora brought his attention back in front of him, his eyes coming to inadvertently land on a certain Chaser whose stance was now completely void of the conviction he had moments earlier. What was more interesting to note was the peculiar attention Ventus seemed to be paying to his left hand, which now appeared to be deplorably bare without a Keyblade in its grip. Wait, Sora thought. Ventus was missing a Keyblade?

Ventus chuckled earnestly to himself. “Well, it seems that I may have misjudged you after all.”

“I—this is…” Sora looked up at Ventus, then down at his Keyblade, then up again. “Huh?”

“The Kingdom Key, it would seem,” Ventus answered before de-summoning his other Keyblade.

“But why is…” Sora kept his gaze on his Keyblade.

“You still don’t get it? Even after finally being able to summon it again?” Ventus was both shocked and disappointed.

Sora didn’t respond, embarrassed about his own ignorance on the matter. Ventus made it seem like it should’ve been something he should’ve understood instantly, but unfortunately that just wasn’t the case.

“The Kingdom Key chose you, Sora,” Ventus began. “The contract you made with that Keyblade has nothing to do with me, my past or my connection to you. You may be my reincarnation, and thus may have been more inclined to receive the same predisposition to become a Keyblader, but that doesn’t change the fact that the actions you took, and the abilities you have, are none other than your own.”

“Then why couldn’t I summon it before…?”

“For quite some time, it would seem you detached yourself from the Kingdom Key, believing it to be something you simply obtained the responsibility of, a responsibility you were forced to shoulder, all the while believing that you owed it to the Keyblade that chose you as its wielder to carry out its purpose, that is, to seal the Keyholes and bring peace to the multiverse.”

“So then…?” Sora asked.

“So by holding onto such a perspective about the Keyblade, the moment I came into the picture, you immediately felt your responsibility was no longer there, or that you became unworthy of the Keyblade. You subconsciously hid away your Keyblading powers deep within your heart, denying yourself the right as its true owner, believing that such ownership officially belonged to me the moment I took physical form. This wouldn’t have been such a big deal to fix had I addressed the situation right away. But the more you learned about Kairi’s past, about my true identity, and finally about you being a reincarnation, you only continued to distance yourself further and further away from the truth.”

Sora slid his hand gently across the surface of his blade, feeling it had been ages since he had seen it. “The truth?”

“The undeniable truth is that you, Sora, are the one and only rightful wielder of the Kingdom Key. It is neither a responsibility that was divinely bestowed on you, nor a favour that the multiverse has asked of you. It is simply part of who you are, someone you were always meant to be. Being the wielder of the Kingdom Key is a testament to your existence as a human being, a piece of your identity that you cannot erase, or escape from. What you choose to do with that blade is up to you; you owe nothing to this world or the next for having that power, and have no obligation to do what the fates of the worlds ask you to do. Every choice you make when handling that Keyblade, is entirely up to you.”

Sora looked down once more at his Keyblade, taking Ventus’ words to heart as he finally began to rediscover just exactly what the Kingdom Key meant to him, what his purpose really was, and what he felt he wanted to do from now on.

“And now, Master Sora, you have yet another important choice to make,” Ventus stated.

“Huh? What’s that?” Sora inquired.

Ventus pointed playfully at his empty hand. “Seeing as you’ve marvelously succeeded in knocking out one of my Keyblades, I will honour our original agreement by not stopping you from leaving this world. You may fly wherever you wish, and I will personally see to it that no one gets in your way from doing so. But on the other hand, if you decide to give up that plan and stay here, I would like it if you’d fight alongside the rest of us from now on.” Ventus grinned. “The choice is yours to make.”

With that, the young Chaser turned to return back into the city, leaving the mentally and emotionally renewed Key Bearer to his decision.

Sora couldn’t help but smile amusedly at what had just transpired. “You’re a hell of a piece of work, Ventus, you know that?”

“Naturally,” Ventus grinned before placing his helm back on, his cape tousling lightly about as he walked steadily past the entrance gates, hearing the enthusiastic footsteps of a certain Key Bearer following closely behind.
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Soushirei, Jul 23, 2007
Soushirei, Jul 23, 2007
#158
HOSPITAL STAT! i knock tits

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Awww, *sweet* chapter. Loved it XD But then again, all your chapters are awesome, so. Special kudos to the beautiful fighting scenes, it's crazy how you paint a picture so well with words. VENTUS IS DA MAN! (And it's good to have Sora back on his feet again.) Keep up the ridiculously fast updates AND great work! =D

Sora - KHIII: The Revival said:

â€œI wouldnâ€™t be able to forgive myself if I couldnâ€™t,â€ Soraâ€™s voice had a hint of sarcasm in it.
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I'm pretty sure it's "Wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I could", no?

[Sh!t, you've *really* neglected Cloud and Riku's case. XD]
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 23, 2007
HOSPITAL STAT!, Jul 23, 2007
#159

Soushirei 運命の欠片

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StupidAquarius said: ↑

Awww, *sweet* chapter. Loved it XD But then again, all your chapters are awesome, so. Special kudos to the beautiful fighting scenes, it's crazy how you paint a picture so well with words. VENTUS IS DA MAN! (And it's good to have Sora back on his feet again.) Keep up the ridiculously fast updates AND great work! =D

I'm pretty sure it's "Wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I could", no?

[Sh!t, you've *really* neglected Cloud and Riku's case. XD]
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XD The double negative is intentional. Ventus comments on Sora managing to get out of his restraints (being pinned to the rock behind) him. Sora says "He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he *couldn't* get out of those restraints". I just omitted reiterating what Ventus already said.

XD Thanks for the continued support. I have a feeling things will begin slowing down from here, but we'll have to see I suppose.

And yes, I know Riku and Cloud have yet to be seen <.<; I haven't forgotten about them. I'm just waiting for the right time... XD
Soushirei, Jul 23, 2007
Soushirei, Jul 23, 2007
#160

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