The Destined

[Destined]

The Destined

--Prologue--
One year ago

The darkness welcomed him. It encompassed his mind, penetrating his soul, but something seemed out of place: I can feel. As this thought echoed in his mind, a blue glow spread out in front of his eyes and a disembodied voice called to him. Fight the darkness and become the embodiment of the light and dark…take my hand, together we can embrace your Destiny.

--Three Months Later--

The sun was cresting over the tired landscape. This morning, something lurked, unchallenged, emotionless. The tranquil morning was shatter when news spread across the kingdom, the royal princess, has been taken.

Soon, metallic stars began twinkling through the early afternoon sky. Militia ships were converging on the traumatized world, twelve ships in all; each with a different design indigenous to the representatives world. The twelve ships began transmitting the necessary docking cods and landing on the castle skydeck. As the representatives exited their ships, rumors began to creep across the world from a declaration of war was being formed, to the conspiracy of a military coup. Still, the 12 individuals walked unencumbered through the castle to the Room of Declarations.

The room was circular, with holo statistic screens linked to each chair that were situated around the room’s focal point; the Triforce pedestal. Ornately carved with glass marble, the Triforce pedestal was carved to represent the very sacred triforce of old. As each individual entered the room, gossip could be heard quietly emulating around a central thought: fear. Two twin frosted glass doors rose up into the ceiling, causing all conversation to halt as the secondary leader entered the room.

She moved with a set grace, an aire of importance, but her complexion spoke a different tone, the last 24 hours having drained most happiness from her solemn eyes, tiredness in her voice. All the representatives rose as she passed, showing different means of respect, whether it be a slight bow or a loyal gesture.

As she rounded the Triforce pedestal, she paused. All eyes followed her gaze to the twin thrones of leadership, where the left throne stood empty.

The room remained silent until the secondary leader took her place on the right throne. She had not asked to have the second throne removed, because she did not desire the royal princess to be….she looked around the room and signaled the representatives to take their seats.

From behind the shadows of the secondary leader’s throne, a small, determined speaker rose to a podium situated near the head of the Triforce Pedestal. He approached a worn leather logbook and cleared his throat. “Your Highness, ladies and gentlemen’, he stated, motioning around the pedestal, ‘you have been called upon as members of divisions of our great kingdom, and liaisons for our allies.”

Ten sets of eyes moved from the speaker to the two unfamiliar liaisons situated at the far end. The speaker continued without pause, “…today, are the representatives of the Honor Guardsmen to the Royal Families…”

One man sat on either side of the two thrones each the honorary guardsmen for their leader. The guardsmen situated to the right throne was wearing silver and red battle armor and sporting a steely gaze at each individual as if trying to see into their thoughts. The guardsmen of the empty throne wore a sage green tunic armor and sapphire shield, an oddly shaped sword strapped to his back. His expression was blank, but his eyes betrayed the seriousness of the situation.

“…the generals of our air and space fleets…two agents of the Security & Intel Bureau…Militia Research & Development…myself representing Communication, and finally our liaisons from the Far plane Kingdom; Aeirth, and from Kingdom Hearts, Ansem the Wise. Let us Begin.” The speaker opened the logbook and produced a slim pair of glasses and began transcribing the minutes.

All eyes turned and focused on the leader, who sat high and proper with her gloved hands resting in her lap. She in turn began. “My friends, fellow citizens. Yesterday you each were summoned for your specific expertise and it is our duty here, to understand the abduction in its entirety, and…” Her gaze shifted to the green tuniced guardsmen, “I feel it is important to start at the abduction. Link, if you could.”

Link’s head was bowed, eyes shut while he cleared his mind. How would he be able to describe this…it wasn’t similar to the past attempts, to the point of emotionless, and those eyes….The room rang with deafening silence, all eyes fixed on Link, many daring not to rush the details. The silence persisted for a handful of moments before Link began.

“This was not like the other times the Princess has been captured, it happened faster than any of her guards, or I, could react. Near dusk, storm clouds began to form over Hyrule Castle and with it; a brown-gray haze slowly blew into the castle. The gaze materialized into a figure of a hooded being carrying one of the sacred key blades inside the throne room. He struck down all the men, barely allowing them to draw their weapons to defend the princess. He approached me, moving without care and as though I didn’t exist, the entire time his eyes never leaving the princess. I attacked the figure, but he struck back and cast me aside with such force that I…failed her.”

A small murmur rose around the pedestal. “All that I remember is seeing those eyes and hearing him tell Princess Zelda that her destiny was at hand. He reached out and held her arm and they both dissolved.” Link quietly said, returning to his thoughts.

“Thank you Link” the leader quietly expressed, turning her attention to the generals. “Were any ships intercepted leaving Hyrule?” Near the far end of the pedestal, the maroon armor clad Space General Samus Aran motioned towards a holoview of the planet.

“Met Squad and Fox Squad didn’t register any inbound or outbound ships leaving Hyrule and this smaller display shows a 24 hour delay of the ship deck, again, no activity.”

Next to General Aran, General Fox McCloud rocked back on his seat, two feet propped up on the tablet. “If this mystery assailant appeared out of a haze, it is entirely plausible they left by the same means.”

The leader worked her gaze to the right of Link, to the Security and Intel representatives. “What were the reports on the guards?”

Agent Leon Kennedy was glancing through an organized Raccoon City Medical dossier and lowered it to the table. “Not good, all of the guards were killed, autopsy reports indicate that the guards were killed with a large curved blade, but the doctors are still trying to isolate the weapons shape because in each case in appears to alternate.”

Kennedy looked to his right at the Intel officer who sat polishing his assortment of poke balls. “Mew Intel reports that Koopa-Troopas are gathering along the outskirts of Bowser’s Castle, while the Shadow Realm remains quiet on Hyrule, so this appears that this is a localized incident that could escalate” Officer Ash Ketchum announced, checking the shine of one ball in the light.

Across the table, Luigi piped in with R&D’s findings, “We’ve analyzed the haze from particles in the Hyrule Throne room, but it appears as though the haze was a mere cloud of dust.”

More reports began streaming in, as some questions were answered while others were heavily debated. As this was transpiring, Ansem the Wise was slowly generating his own thoughts. The way that Link described the abduction, it appeared as though Xehanort had gone behind his back with the experiments…he must contact the king. As Ansem began to rise, a gentle hand grasped his forearm, slowly pulling him back down. “It’s ok, he’ll come.”

Ansem looked down into the soft, caring eyes of Aeirth peering up at him. All conversation slowly stalled on a report of gathering Metroids. The words brought a chilling calm to the room, as if this statement made everything all right. Aeirth’s smiled, sweeping her eyes around the room before resting on Princess Peach, “He’ll come.”

A shrill alarm erupted from the holo-displays, breaking the prophetic calm. The room became a flurry of activity as news feeds began streaming in.

“Princess, a large force of metroids are appearing above all eastern worlds”

“Security systems are crashing across the kingdom”

“Mew Intel is compromised, Team Rocket is attacking Kanto”

“We must get you below the bunker your Highness”

“Defensive grid power is down below 30%”

“EVERYONE, PLEASE.”

Princess Peach had risen from her throne; the room became silent, except for the occasional computer chirp of chime of new information. “Now then’ Peach calmly asked, looking around the room, ‘Do we know who has declared war?”

Everyone was staring intently at their displays, trying to sort through the details. Toadstool, meanwhile had received and crept from his podium to Princess Peaches throne. “You’re Highness; you have been requested on video one.” All eyes snapped toward the central display.

A shadowed figure rose in the middle of the pedestal, the only visible characteristics were two golden eyes, an ornately designed curved blade, the rest hidden beneath a swirling gray cloak... The hooded figure cleared his throat and began speaking in an unnaturally icy-calm voice.

“Be est thou of days of old,
Cometh to Collect.
This day brings not words to bore,
But the Key blade War.

I challenge you to a game of duel
Key blades the chosen weapon.
But knowest this, one thing shan’t miss
I’ll know if thou smell of deception.

Another morn, another crime
Destiny demands.
Tomorrow at the Sands of Time
They journey’s meet their ends.

But knowest this,
If you laugh in jest,
You’re loyalties shan’t swell
For the Far plane has already fell.”

The holo faded to nothingness, all breathing seemed to have stopped when the hooded figure began speaking. A small gasp echoed from Aeirth. Tears began forming, filling her eyesight. “The lifestream can never die…he’ll come and make it right.” She said this to no one in particular, but everyone understood the message. A group broke off to dissect the message, other’s formed battle strategies, but Ansem the Wise knew that tomorrow would awaken to war...

[Ban Mido]

I like where you're going with it man. It's like tearing down the walls and just letting everything colapse on each other. It can stand to be a little bit more organized me thinks, but I definitely like it. I'll keep looking.

[kazukifafner]

COMMENTS/CORRECTIONS IN BOLD

The Destined

--Prologue--
One year ago

The darkness welcomed him. It encompassed his mind, penetrating his soul, but something seemed out of place: I can feel. As this thought echoed in his mind, a blue glow spread out in front of his eyes and a disembodied voice called to him. Fight the darkness and become the embodiment of the light and dark…take my hand, together we can embrace your Destiny.

Okay, in the above chapter, the main problem was thoughts. Now since this is supposed to be cryptic, I won't go on about using dialog tags (you seem to be able to use them well enough from the rest of the prologue. However, at the very least, the parts that are to be voices should set off somehow, be it quotation marks, underlining, bolding, italicized (my personal choice), etc.

--Three Months Later--

The sun was cresting over the tired landscape. This morning, something lurked, unchallenged, emotionless. The tranquil morning was shattered when news spread across the kingdom, the royal princess, has been taken.

With this last statement, a problem is encountered. You either need to say "when news spread across the kingdom that the princess had been taken" (for a word choice, I would use "abducted" as it is more dramatic and descriptive) or "when a terrible bit (the added words are to make the sentence more natural, you could use whatever you wanted instead) of news spread across the kingdom: The royal princess has been captured!" The colon sets off exactly what the news was, so present tense could be used in the latter scenario.

Soon, metallic stars began twinkling through the early afternoon sky. Militia ships were converging on the traumatized world, twelve ships in all; each with a different design indigenous to the representatives of the world. The twelve ships began transmitting the necessary docking codes and landing on the castle skydeck. As the representatives exited their ships, rumors began to creep across the world, (need a comma to separate clauses) from a declaration of war was being formed, to the conspiracy of a military coup. Still, the 12 (generally speaking, the number 12 wouldn't be used here. For two digit numbers and under, the full word is use, aka. "twelve" instead of "12". For all numbers 3 digits and over, the number is used, except for amounts with a single digit and the rest are zeros, such as 100, 200, 3000, 10000, etc. These would be written out in their entirety) individuals walked unencumbered through the castle to the Room of Declarations.

The room was circular, with holo statistic screens linked to each chair that were situated around the room’s focal point; the Triforce pedestal. Ornately carved with glass marble, the Triforce pedestal was carved to represent the very sacred triforce of old. As each individual entered the room, gossip could be heard quietly emulating (emanating) around a central thought: fear. Two twin frosted glass doors rose up into the ceiling, causing all conversation to halt as the secondary leader entered the room.

She moved with a set grace, an aire (remove the "e" at the end of "aire". The word in question is "air") of importance, but her complexion spoke a different tone, the last 24 hours having drained most happiness from her solemn eyes, and breathed tiredness into her voice (without adding something like I have, it doesn't make sense). All the representatives rose as she passed, showing different means of respect, whether it be a slight bow or a loyal gesture.

As she rounded the Triforce pedestal, she paused. All eyes followed her gaze to the twin thrones of leadership, where the left throne stood empty.

The room remained silent until the secondary leader took her place on the right throne. She had not asked to have the second throne removed, because she did not desire the royal princess to be….she looked around the room and signaled the representatives to take their seats.

From behind the shadows of the secondary leader’s throne, a small, determined speaker rose to a podium situated near the head of the Triforce Pedestal. He approached a worn leather logbook and cleared his throat. “Your Highness, ladies and gentlemen’, he stated, motioning around the pedestal, ‘you have been called upon as members of divisions of our great kingdom, and liaisons for our allies.” (Nice use of dialog!)

Ten sets of eyes moved from the speaker to the two unfamiliar liaisons situated at the far end. The speaker continued without pause, “…today, are the representatives of the Honor Guardsmen to the Royal Families…”

One man sat on either side of the two thrones, each the honorary guardsmen for their leader. The guardsmen situated to the right throne was wearing silver and red battle armor and sported a steely gaze at each individual as if trying to see into their thoughts. The guardsmen of the empty throne wore a sage green tunic armor and sapphire shield, an oddly shaped sword strapped to his back. His expression was blank, but his eyes betrayed the seriousness of the situation.

“…the generals of our air and space fleets…two agents of the Security & Intel Bureau…Militia Research & Development…myself representing Communication, and finally our liaisons from the Far plane Kingdom; Aeirth, and from Kingdom Hearts, Ansem the Wise (So wait, is this like a collaboration fanfic, where a bunch of stories are combined into one. Interesting!). Let us Begin.” The speaker opened the logbook and produced a slim pair of glasses and began transcribing the minutes.

All eyes turned and focused on the leader, who sat high and proper with her gloved hands resting in her lap. She in turn began. “My friends, fellow citizens. Yesterday you each were summoned for your specific expertise and it is our duty here, to understand the abduction in its entirety, and…” Her gaze shifted to the green tuniced guardsmen, “I feel it is important to start at the abduction. Link, if you would.”

Link’s head was bowed, eyes shut while he cleared his mind. How would he be able to describe this…it wasn’t similar to the past attempts, to the point of emotionless, and those eyes….The room rang with deafening silence, all eyes fixed on Link, many daring not to rush the details. The silence persisted for a handful of moments ("handful of moments". You don't here that phrase to often, nice originality!) before Link began.

“This was not like the other times the Princess has been captured, it happened faster than any of her guards, or I, could react. Near dusk, storm clouds began to form over Hyrule Castle and with it; a brown-gray haze slowly blew into the castle. The gaze materialized into a figure of a hooded being carrying one of the sacred key blades inside the throne room. He struck down all the men, barely allowing them to draw their weapons to defend the princess. He approached me, moving without care and as though I didn’t exist, the entire time his eyes never leaving the princess. I attacked the figure, but he struck back and cast me aside with such force that I…failed her.”

A small murmur rose around the pedestal. “All that I remember is seeing those eyes and hearing him tell Princess Zelda that her destiny was at hand. He reached out and held her arm and they both dissolved.” Link quietly said, returning to his thoughts.

“Thank you Link” the leader quietly expressed, turning her attention to the generals. “Were any ships intercepted leaving Hyrule?” Near the far end of the pedestal, the maroon armor clad Space General Samus Aran motioned towards a holoview of the planet.

“Met Squad and Fox Squad didn’t register any inbound or outbound ships leaving Hyrule and this smaller display shows a 24 hour delay of the ship deck, again, no activity.”

Next to General Aran, General Fox McCloud rocked back on his seat, two feet propped up on the tablet. “If this mystery assailant appeared out of a haze, it is entirely plausible they left by the same means.”

The leader worked her gaze to the right of Link, to the Security and Intel representatives. “What were the reports on the guards?”

Agent Leon Kennedy (LOL, Resident Evil . . . . don't see him too often, at least not here) was glancing through an organized Raccoon City Medical dossier and lowered it to the table. “Not good, all of the guards were killed, autopsy reports indicate that the guards were killed with a large curved blade, but the doctors are still trying to isolate the weapons shape because in each case in appears to alternate.”

Kennedy looked to his right at the Intel officer who sat polishing his assortment of poke balls. “Mew Intel reports that Koopa-Troopas are gathering along the outskirts of Bowser’s Castle, while the Shadow Realm remains quiet on Hyrule, so this appears that this is a localized incident that could escalate” Officer Ash Ketchum announced, checking the shine of one ball in the light.

Across the table, Luigi piped in with R&D’s findings, “We’ve analyzed the haze from particles in the Hyrule Throne room, but it appears as though the haze was a mere cloud of dust.”

More reports began streaming in, as some questions were answered while others were heavily debated. As this was transpiring, Ansem the Wise was slowly generating his own thoughts. The way that Link described the abduction, it appeared as though Xehanort had gone behind his back with the experiments…he must contact the king. As Ansem began to rise, a gentle hand grasped his forearm, slowly pulling him back down. “It’s ok, he’ll come.”

Ansem looked down into the soft, caring eyes of Aeirth peering up at him. All conversation slowly stalled on a report of gathering Metroids. The words brought a chilling calm to the room, as if this statement made everything all right. Aeirth’s smiled, sweeping her eyes around the room before resting on Princess Peach, “He’ll come.”

A shrill alarm erupted from the holo-displays, breaking the prophetic calm. The room became a flurry of activity as news feeds began streaming in.

“Princess, a large force of metroids are appearing above all eastern worlds”

“Security systems are crashing across the kingdom”

“Mew Intel is compromised, Team Rocket is attacking Kanto”

“We must get you below the bunker your Highness”

“Defensive grid power is down below 30%”

“EVERYONE, PLEASE.”

Princess Peach had risen from her throne; the room became silent, except for the occasional computer chirp of chime of new information. “Now then’ Peach calmly asked, looking around the room, ‘Do we know who has declared war?”

Everyone was staring intently at their displays, trying to sort through the details. Toadstool, meanwhile had received and crept from his podium to Princess Peaches throne. “You’re Highness; you have been requested on video one.” All eyes snapped toward the central display.

A shadowed figure rose in the middle of the pedestal, the only visible characteristics were two golden eyes, an ornately designed curved blade, the rest hidden beneath a swirling gray cloak... The hooded figure cleared his throat and began speaking in an unnaturally icy-calm voice.

“Be est thou of days of old,
Cometh to Collect.
This day brings not words to bore,
But the Key blade War.

I challenge you to a game of duel
Key blades the chosen weapon.
But knowest this, one thing shan’t miss
I’ll know if thou smell of deception.

Another morn, another crime
Destiny demands.
Tomorrow at the Sands of Time
They journey’s meet their ends.

But knowest this,
If you laugh in jest,
You’re loyalties shan’t swell
For the Far plane has already fell.”

The holo faded to nothingness, all breathing seemed to have stopped when the hooded figure began speaking. A small gasp echoed from Aeirth. Tears began forming, filling her eyesight. “The lifestream can never die…he’ll come and make it right.” She said this to no one in particular, but everyone understood the message. A group broke off to dissect the message, other’s formed battle strategies, but Ansem the Wise knew that tomorrow would awaken to war...

Interesting! I haven't seen many fanfics venture out of Disney worlds and try to tackle others. While I can't make much out from the brief intro to the characters, it seems like you've got a good grasp of their personalities. I look forward to more!

[Destined]

I appreciate the comments, and I made the mistake of throwing this up without editing it. Thank you kazukfafner for your comments, i'm glad to hear that you are enjoying this. I plan on retooling each chapter a bit and then posting up the following stories if it seems to hold an interest for the forum.

[Destined]

Chapter 1:

“You’re Home”

Kairi’s smile cast aside any shroud of doubt, Sora thought as he gazed around. No more heartless sulking in the shadows. No more Organization members vying to control Kingdom Hearts, it’s over. He smiled as he and Kairi both clasp the Oathkeeper together.

From across the beach, King Mickey smiled, knowing that he had reunited the key bearer with the ones who never gave up on him: his friends. Finally, everything has been put back the way it was, the King thought, wadding in the shallows over to Donald and Goofy. The jubilant reunion should have been one for the ages, but Riku refused to enjoy the moment, with his hands in this pockets, he looked out across the sweeping calm. He looked out expecting to see endless waves and the occasional seagull, but instead he saw a hazy mirage walking on the surface of the water. The figure walked serenely, as if nothing could penetrate the wisps of memory. Blinking he looked back, but the mirage had vanished, in its place only endless ocean. “I’m sorry Princess” he whispered.

Riku turned back to the group; unbeknownst to him Sora had seen him staring into the sea and was also looking in the direction the mirage had been. But Kairi had her eyes fixed on Riku, a quizzical worry etched across her face. They couldn’t know, Riku thought, they weren’t there...it was all a dream…

That evening Riku joined in the celebration, although a sense of longing hovered over his persona.

“You got it Riku, didn’t you?” A small voice spoke startling Riku out of his daydream. “Huh?” He looked up; Kairi was standing over him holding a bowl of rice.

“You were able to get away from the island; you went on an adventure like you always said you would.”

“Yea I guess you’re right” he said, accepting the bowl, but only poked around with the chopsticks.

“Come on Riku, what’s the deal? You’ve been sad ever since you guys got back. Did somethi---“

Riku quickly rose, startling Kairi. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me, I’m just tired.” No you’re not, a voice stated in the back of his mind, If you hadn’t given up on Sora, none of this would have happened, You wouldn’t have joined Maleficent or the Organization, and she would still be…” Tell the King goodbye for me, I need some sleep.”

Kairi was left sitting on the bend palm tree, staring at Riku as he walked to the docks. “Whatever it was Riku,” she said as she knelt down and retrieved the spilled rice bowl, “It wasn’t your fault.”

Later that evening, the dream came back. He had the same dream for weeks. A wide open plain surrounded by rocky cliffs, he was standing at a crossroads while two large armies were positioned around the plain on the cliffs...There were always the same two men, one in a green armored tunic, the other in a silvery red body armor, no faces, just beings…both men advanced towards him…yelling but no words came out…In the middle of the plains next to Riku, stood the mirage…She was dressed in a flowing purple cloak, blonde hair twirling in the wind, eyes deviant and pleading until….

Riku woke up, saturated in a cold sweat. It wasn’t true. It’ wasn’t him…they didn’t see…He messaged the sleep out of his eyes and slipped to sitting on the side of his bed, hands pressed to his head. “I’m sorry Princess…” he said to the walls trying to clear her emerald eyes from his mind.

“I know the truth Riku.” A calm voice from the doorway quietly projected. Riku looked up, The King was standing in the doorway arms crossed, the golden keyblade perched under his arm. Behind him, another entity lurked in the shadows, tense with emotion. “You are coming with me. You have to fix this.”

Riku backed off of his bed, searching for something, anything. He found his keyblade resting against his bookcase. As soon as his hand encompassed the hilt, another blade sat pressed against his throat. He looked down; the keyblade was unlike any he had ever seen in Kingdom Hearts, except… “You are coming with us. You are going to end this Keyblade War you started” the figure said moving the blade in the moonlight. Riku looked down the hilt of the blue and golden keyblade and up the green armored tunic, into the blue determined eyes of Link.

[Ban Mido]

Looks like Link and Riku's accquaintencship is off to a rocky start. Nice. Keep it up.

[Destined]

Thanks Allstar, looks to me that you are the only one following this story lol.

Chapter 2

Tell me, how can I prove myself to you?!

The boy thinks we need him, he is weak.

But still my lord, there was the incident with…the rogues…

Hmmm, perhaps not all is lost.

Riku…

The sound of dripping water brought Riku back to his surrounds. He looked around, noting that King Mickey and Link were walking silently in front of him, down a long winding gray hallway, that seemed similar to Riku, but he couldn’t place why. Riku yawned and stretched, his muscles remained tense and prepared for a fight after the early morning departure from Destiny Island.

The yawn attracted the attention of the King and he slowed to match Riku’s pace, turning with a look of sadness in his eyes. “Riku, Do you remember where we are? “ Riku shook his head no. “We are deep below Ansem’s Laboratory, I uncovered something here after the battle against the Organization, it was a small holodisk the likes of which I’ve never seen before. I tried to show it to Leon but he refused saying that it was just another lie. It was in a language I couldn’t understand, until I entered your secret place on Destiny Island”.

Riku stopped walking, the King stopped a few steps ahead. “King Mickey, I know that room better than Sora and Kairi, there’s just cave drawings in there.”

“That’s what I was told too Riku, but I found a secret door hidden behind the tree.”

Riku walked ahead in silence. In all my years on that island, I never once saw a door besides the door to other worlds. While Riku pondered this discovery the King was still talking.

“Well, when I entered the room, I found a terminal and this particular holodisk fit inside. Gosh, before I knew it, it started to tell me about other Kingdom’s besides Kingdom Hearts, and that Destiny Island was the gateway between the worlds.”

Riku was speechless. Destiny Island, HIS Destiny Island was a gateway? “That’s impossible. Wouldn’t we have known of other Kingdoms?”

Link paused turning around, anger in his voice and one hand on his keyblade. “What it means, is that your island, is the center of the universe, a gateway between the three kingdoms.”

“Three….three Kingdoms?” Riku stammered. I only know of Kingdom Hearts, I thought the world was part of…it was a dream…Link had turned now and was advancing towards Riku, the King standing the middle ground, hands held high.

“You know all about the other kingdom, MY kingdom. He planned the attacks, you baited our armies and you killed…” Link trailed off, his expression becoming clouded, he slowly drew his keyblade.

“ENOUGH LINK!” The king declared, brandishing his own keyblade. “That wasn’t Riku, I’ve told you that it-“

Link interrupted, “Yes, you claim that it was his other. You keep saying this as if it makes a difference. Other or not, my world still fell.” As the King and Link continued to argue, Riku slowly backed against the wall. Other…

Suddenly everything made sense to him; the dreams, the appearance of Link, this secret hallway. He had been here before, but not as himself. He was here, when he fell, giving into the darkness…becoming heartless…which meant, he created a nobody...

Riku’s mind brought him back to the argument, and placed a hand on the King’s shoulder, immediately silencing the two. “King Mickey am, am I…”

Link turned around and continued walking down the corridor. Mickey sighed and continued on, saying over his shoulder, “Hurry up Riku, I’ll explain it all when we get there.”

Riku watched as his ears bounced out of view and looked into the reflexive metal wall, seeing a distorted image of himself staring back. Who am I? What have I…become? The far off drip of water echoed down the corridor as Riku followed Link and the King.

[Ban Mido]

And as always, Mickey is the voice of reason.


Good work. But I think they should start getting longer soon.

[kazukifafner]

It's getting interesting!

The story is progressing quite nicely, but as ASG said, it would probably be best to make longer chapters (or at least make short entries like these parts of a single chapter).

[Destined]

I agree, and i'm mixing around some plot elements to condense chapters that are somewhat short into a single, large chapter. New chapter probably this evening. Thanks guys.

[Destined]

Chapter 3
Down the Rabbit Hole

It felt like hours, but finally, they arrived at the bottom of the spiraling staircase to find a heavily chained door barring their progress. The King walked towards a large, wood paneled white control toggle and placed his gloved hand on a small glass panel situated off to the side. A laser beam materialized, and proceeded to scan his hand. After a few seconds, a series of metallic scraping could be heard as the door internally unlocked. “This is where I discovered the holodisk, and…” the King cut himself off, looking sadder than Riku had ever seen him before, produced his keyblade and with a beam of light, the chains slowly dissolved away.

The doors instantly parted, releasing a cloud of dust and musty air. The three entered the poorly lit room, to see relics and transcripts etched with dust and a single stringed light bulb flickering above.

Riku scanned the room and realized that this was out of place. “King Mickey, why did you unseal that door?” Riku asked, his eyes taking in the ornate carvings encircling the door.

The king sighed again. “I had to unlock the heart of this world otherwise we never would have been able to enter. Take a seat Riku. I’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”

Riku and Link walked further into the room, and seated themselves in ancient dust covered armchairs around a pock marked granite table. The King paced in front of them, attempting to organize his thoughts, while Link unsheathed his keyblade and began to meticulously polish.

“After Sora locked the heart of Hollow Bastion, a new world began forming, which we know now as Radiant Gardens. While Sora, Donald and Goofy were fighting the heartless, I followed Xehanort back into Ansem’s study and chased him down here.” The King paused for a moment, a far off look slowly passed in his eyes. “I hid while he met other Organization members down here and they began discussing how best to proceed. Xehanort led them to a small room, where they began discussing this holodisk, the prisoner and something concerning the piping beneath Hollow Bastion. But before they advanced any further with their plans, they were forced to confront Axel. I stayed behind and brought this holodisk with me.

“After you and Sora returned to Destiny Island, the holodisk led me into your Secret Palace, where the disk explained a war I had never before heard of, nor believed could exist. A devastating keyblade war. Riku,” The king turned to him, “Do you remember how Twilight Town was created for lost nobodies, and Traverse Town was created for individuals who lost there world to the heartless? This disk explained that Hollow Bastion and Radiant Gardens were created for the souls who lost their Kingdom. This holodisk,” The King motioned towards the small holodisk resting atop the granite table, “is the heart of the Farplane Kingdom.”

Moments slowly rolled by as Riku attempted to soak all this in. Another Kingdom, a war, and finding out he created a nobody. He turned his attention now to Link who had risen and was staring at a faded painting depicting a knight riding a strange animal. “So this Farplane Kingdom, is…was it your home?”

Link’s eyes remained fixed on the painting. Riku couldn’t help but stare took another, more analytical look at the painting. The knight was tall, clothed in silver armor and was seated upon a large yellow bird, the knight, seemed to be looking outside of the painting, at a past that plagued him, his face lost to the sands of time, added to the allure of the unknown.

“No. He’s from the other Kingdom.” Mickey answered for Link, bringing Riku back to the present. The king was standing near a dusty, emerald stone pillar. “In the secret place, I found that this special holodisk terminal wasn’t the only object in the room, next to it, was a dusty pillar similar to this one. This is the pillar pipe to the other kingdom, the war ravaged Mushroom Kingdom.”

********

Good, you fight for what you desire…

He will come.

It is not his destiny.

I am a leaf on the seas of change…Goodbye Mushroom Kingdom.

Riku…

The darkness was shattered by a lone doorway opening, casting a dim light into the antechamber, encompassing a cloaked figure. “You are useless when you are late” an icy voice announces, ringing through the chamber. Footsteps could be heard making their way towards the room’s center, the door having noisily shut blocking out all light once again dowsing the room in shadows. The steps halted near a dark mass concealed behind a stone pillar.

“How can one who is late be useless, if the one is right on time?” the halted footsteps proclaims with an air of sarcasm.

His answer was only that of gears grinding against the far wall, a stone table rising from the ground. “Sit and we shall discuss…you’re usefulness.” The icy voice spoke in a matter that swept through every crack of the chamber.

The man watched as two other doors around the chamber simultaneously opened, revealing two distinct figures approaching the table. The three figures converge around the table, kneeling before it whispering a hymn to the fayths. Three single candles seamlessly flared to life over the heads of each individual. The light cast dim shadows, allowing a few hints of the other characters to become visible. One man was situated with his arms crossed in a swirling gray suit, a hood draped down across his shoulders, another stood near the far wall, arms crossed as well but wearing a gray cape slowly swaying in the breeze and the first individual was wrapped in the swirling gray body cloak.

A whisper began to flow through the room, quietly dragging particles of dust and dirt towards the center of the table, the candles flickered, throwing shadows into chaos. As the wind began to increase, the dust transformed into a whipping tornado, drawing more and more into itself and as the winds began to settle, a figure began to materialize seemingly from nothing, but seconds later, standing before them was their leader, Master Nex.

He smiled a wicked grin, his eyes could weasel their way into your deepest soul as the candle light flickered off his hairless head. He began to laugh, his shoulders rolling while he paced the table. “I sense a problem, dear brothers, we are tricked. Two of our brethren have fallen to flaws of their own greed. This is a mere setback, the prophecy shall become destined.”

A murmur of agreement swept the chamber. “Our destiny, Mother…” the caped man whispered as he glanced longingly up toward the darkened dome.

The hooded suit sneered in his direction. “There you go, Mother this, and Mother that. She was the one who almost destroyed us all two years ago, if you hadn’t forgotten. I almost cheered for the Soldier.” A sweeping motion cuppeled with the scrap of metal brought a long, silver blade out of the shadows, as another rocketed out to block from the sneering hooded man.

“ENOUGH” bellowed Nex, his eyes blazing with fury. “We have lost two brothers already, more loss would be futile.” The standoff lasted a few tense moments before the gray cloaked man removed his hood, allowing his golden eyes to burn in the candlelight. “He survived.”

Both men’s heads turned towards the new voice as Nex swiveling on his heels. “Speak dear boy, what news do you bring?”

The Golden-eyed man smirked “He survived the fall of Hyrule.” The man reached into his pocket and produced a small blue data screen. “He and two others have unlocked the Hollow world, they are coming to fight.”

Nex erupted into bone chilling laughter. “So the fool thinks he will be welcomed back? This is the time we were hiding for, they have unsealed the pillar to the lost kingdom, we will return as well. Go.” With that Nex drained away to mere dust particles, while the others were left in the antechamber. A grinding metal on metal noise began clanking away on the far wall, and far above, the domed ceiling began retracting on itself. A blue glow bled down towards the men, forcing them to raise their hands and block the shimmering glare. As the grinding stopped, the golden-eyed man looked up into the far off Heart of all Worlds and raised his hood back over his head, “You’re destiny is coming, Kingdom Hearts.”

*******

The stench of decay penetrated every crevasse that could be seen. Buildings sat dilapidated, hollowed out by long forgotten forces, rubble lined the dusty pathes while militia men kept an eye out for disturbances. Tucked near the cities outskirts, sat a grime covered building with a half broken sign swaying in a gentle breeze, a faded sign in the front window advertising vacancy.

Of course there was vacancy, a small grizzly man thought eyeing a passing militant, there hasn’t been a guest since the great war. He sighed staring around the small inn as if seeing the past dancing before his eyes. He recounted the days of steady business, smiling children and joy. Now…

A soft crash resonated through the floor boards. Not more squatters, he thought, reaching for a candle and his wooden cane.

The innkeeper’s candle cast an eerie glow as it slowly inched down the cellar stairs. He looked around into the dirty shadows, searching for the source o the disturbance. A louder collision sounded from the farthest wall, where beneath a shield of arms sat a door leading to a broom closet that held old furniture and…His pace quickened, and as he reached for the knob, he began to hear garbled conversation.

“It isn’t safe for me to be here your Excellency.”

“It’s all going to be fine we just need to—“

“King Mickey, someone else is here.”

The conversation ceased as the door began opening from the other side, pushed open by a gust of wind that extinguished the candle. A blade flashed from the broom closet towards the innkeeper’s throat.

The innkeeper panicked and tried to turn and escape only causing to tumble into an overturned dresser, the candle flying from his grip. “Please!” The old man pleaded as the blade grew from one to three moving slowly towards him, “I’m not with them, Hail her Holiness.”

The blades halted, the silver sword slowly retracting and the others following suit. The innkeeper reached across the dirty floor and fumbled with re-lighting the candle, throwing shadows across the mysterious thieves. “We mean you know harm, we’ve come to help”, the smaller one stated as he swept his arm to the others.

“Harm? Three thieves break into my inn, my home, threaten me with key blades and you say you are here to help?” the innkeeper rebuked, waving his cane as a weapon.

“Hold on, you know what a key blade is?” the younger one asked.

“Heh, did you thump your head? Everybody is familiar with key blades since….is this some kind of a joke?”

“No joke,” the younger one said resting against the door frame, “We are…not from around here.”

The innkeeper’s vision began to adjust to the darkness. He could have sworn the smaller one was a talking mouse, he must be dreaming.

He began to laugh, “And I suppose that you are here to bring help, is that it? I should alert the militants outside to arrest you three for suspicion of thought crimes.”

“I don’t believe that you would do that, Sir Bosku.” The third voice stated, causing the innkeeper’s spine to straighten.

“What’s that?” he more demanded, a flicker of hope coursed through his heart.

Link moved into the reaches of the light, and as he removed the travel garment, as a gasp escaped Bosku. “I’ve been gone too long, I’ve returned to right the past and rectify our future.”

Bosku began to quietly cry as he dropped to one knee and proudly began to state, “My Liege you’ve returned, my services are yours in anyway to restore honor to our land.” Link smiled at Sir Bosku, a genuine and proud smile. “I know dear friend, we have much to discuss.”

[Destined]

Chapter 4
Shattered Borders

Sora could not remember the last time he had awaken to the sounds of the pounding surf crashing against the beach, or the sounds of seagulls clammering for food; or even all the smells of his youth. He slowly opened his eyes, expecting to be dreaming aboard his gummi ship; instead, he was greeted by a warm breeze and the early rays of the morning sun painting its way across the calm sea. He was home. Sora slowly rolled up onto his knees and closed his eyes. Roxas. The warm feeling of closure and the countless victories over the last few years made this moment seem like he was flying again around Neverland, saving Kairi at Hollow Bastion, back at Twilight Town. Sora sighed, no more grant adventures, just him, Kairi and Riku. He smiled to himself, content to share this with-

A scream ripped across Destiny Island, shattering Sora's daydream and sending a spike of fear through his spine. He knew that voice, and as the scream pierced through the island again, Sora locked onto the Secret Place.

Kairi.

Leaping hand over foot, he staggered to the entrance, out of breath, wielding the keyblade, prepared for any attack. Only one thought flashed through his head: Kairi. She wasn’t here. He slowly entered and walked around the cave, allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness.

“Kairi, where are you?” Sora whispered, eyeing the shadows and corners, expecting a heartless to attack.

None did, but as soon as his eyes completely adjusted, Sora was able to make out a small trapdoor beneath the hidden door. That’s strange, he thought, where did that come fro- Sora cut himself off when looking down to see Kairi’s Oathkeeper charm wedged under the trapdoor. Another muffled scream came again, this time directly below Sora. He leapt without knowing what to do, clamoring through the door, Kairi, hang on. He inched his way down, careful to not cause his presence to be revealed. Gazing down the dusty ladder, only darkness greeted Sora, he leapt, down into the void, unafraid.

Sora came down to land besides a pile of cavern debris and a pair of gray garb, one overly large and bigger than anything Sora could imagine fit inside, and another that was singed shreds of burnt fabric. Kairi.

He moved slowly along the far side cavern wall, using his left hand as his eyes, and his right latched around the Oathkeeper charm. As he progressed further, he began to feel the moisture rising inside the tunnel. Am I under the ocean? Why haven’t we discovered this passage before….oh Kairi, I’m coming.

Sora stumbled in the blanket of darkness, it felt heavy, like a body...
A flood of images raced past Sora’s inner eye. Hollow Bastion. Kairi laying unconscious, Xehanort, the dark realm, Doorway to Darkness, Kairi...

Please, he begged, don’t be her, don’t be her. He fumbled around on hands and knees reaching out, trying to find something to cling to, something to...

He stopped, he had tripped over a overturned armoire. What was an armoire doing beneath the island he wondered as he brushed himself of unwanted dust particles. Further down the tunnel he crept, ever searching for a hint of voices or a clue left by Kairi. Deeper and deeper the tunnel descended and as he went, he began to notice the surroundings were slowly getting brighter the further down he traveled, a glimmer of a thought rang through his minds eye.

It could work Sora.The confident presence of Roxas whispered into Sora's inner ear.

Are you sure?

I don’t know, we are making this up as we go right?

Suddenly, a gruff rumble of laughter echoed from the bottom of the tunnel, freezing Sora in his tracks. Slowly, the Kingdom Key transforming into the Oathkeeper as Sora remained there, daring not to breath, waiting for another sign. He could hear a pair of strained voices rising from what appeared to be a side cavern.

“They are more prepared than I would have originally foreseen, but no matter, we have the Princess of Hearts, and that is all the bargaining chip we shall require.”

“Easy for you to say, you blend into the surroundings a bit better than me. They think they can persuade me to invade a city state I can attack any time I please, then demand I spy for them. Buddy, No one tells ME what to do.”

“Patience, my informant believes that a border was breached from this side before we arrived. It could be that they have other things to worry about than a few loose ends.”

Sora maneuvered himself near the caverns entrance and nearly allowed himself to ruin Roxas’ plan, if you could call it a plan. Sora sidestepped across the entrance and was able to get a clear look at the 2 enemies. One resembled a large man masked in a green tinted skin and flowing multi-colored robes. Next to him sitting upon a huge armchair that could pass as a throne was a giant of an animal with a large shell and spikes along its ridge. In the center of the chamber inside a proportioned bubble, slept Kairi.

The man moved forward towards a bank of viewscreens with data numbers whizzing along. His brow furrowed as he swept his gaze from monitor to monitor. “He’s not registering on your grid.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?! That little pip-squeak tries anything he’ll be getting it” the reptilian being declared, slamming his fists upon the daize.

The shock of the jolt caused a series of boulders and rocks to release a minor cave-in further down the tunnel. No going back now. Sora thought as he re-adjusted his grip on Oathkeeper. He stepped into the chamber, and advanced on the two. The man saw through his periphial vision the attack, and deftly dodged and rolled to his feet, a long sword extending from his own hand.

“So you made it this far in such short time, you have impressed me,” the man grinned as he pivoted into the cavern towards Kairi,"But on that hand, how can you protect and beat your girlfriends kidnapper?”

“She’s not my girlfriend” Sora stated through pressed teeth.

“Good choice for her,” The reptile lurched off of the throne, a large clublike keyblade swinging towards Sora.

“My, my how time has flown. You beat Xehanort, his pitiful Organization, and how you think you can take on Xehanort’s true allies? Sorry to break it to you child, but this isn’t your destiny.” The man sneered as he flew into a barrage of attacks and blocks as Sora rapidly and deftly dodged and counter-attacked.

Stars erupted in front of Sora’s eyes as the club graced his head, but just hard enough to throw off his balance. He collapsed barely alert as the second enemy lowered his club to his feet. The man seemed disappointed as he punched a code into the data file.

“Pity, it’s a shame Xen won’t be in control over this situation, let alone realize the mistake he made ordering us around Lord Bowser.”

“You got that right Ganondorf,” Bowser laughed an evil meanical laugh and picked up Kairi and Sora, moving them towards a odd pillar in the floor before Sora blacked out....

[Destined]

Chapter 5

The building swayed ever so slightly with the evening breeze as King Mickey and Riku found themselves removed from Link and Bosku’s discussion four hours ago. They had explored the house, and each now sat resting on the staircase listening to the stillness outside and the occasional creaking floorboards. Putting down a small meal, Riku looked up at the King, who responded by releasing a slow sigh.

“You must have a lot of questions” the king said looking at Riku. He almost smiled as Riku was dressed as his old friend Ansem the Wise.

“You said that I had an other...meaning I have a nobody?”

The king leaned back gazing up at the night sky through a curtained window.

“I believe that when Maleficent opened your heart to darkness, part of you entered both worlds; like Sora. However Sora and Kairi were thrown into the dark realm becoming heartless and nobodies. But you never became a heartless, only you left imprints of yourself in both worlds, therefore I believe that what you created, and what Ansem also believed was that you were an abnormality: a heartless nobody.”

A soft cough broke the tension as Link came through the rooms archway, his eyes seemingly alive with a determined glint. “We would like you both to join us.”

The three entered the small sitting room, now littered with schematics and electronic devices. Bosku was seated in an overstuffed chair scribbling notes from a memo in his hand. Looking up, he beckoned them to sit.

“Link tells me that you both are from Kingdom Hearts. Tell me, how is Ansem? We lost contact with him when the war began.”

Riku lowered his gaze while the King cleared his throat, “Ansem the Wise gave his life battling Organization XIII and saved our Kingdom.”

A hushed silence saturated the room, as memories of Ansem flashed in each person's mind. A moment later, Bosku gazed up at the King, a far off look in his eyes. “Ansem the Wise was a good friend, it was an honor serving him before the Declaration.”

Riku turned, slightly surprised.” You served Ansem?”

The far off look returned as Bosku spoke like he was reliving it moment by moment. ”When the delegates arrived, Her Holiness asked me to assist Ansem during his stay. The man was extremely cheerful; given the situation, he discussed the vastness of your worlds and introduced me to some salty-sweet ice cream…”Riku smiled to himself, that was the Ansem he knew.

Far off, a grandfather clock chimed, announcing the third hour. The echo drew Bosku from his momentary trance. He looked around his scattered papers and lifted a holo pamphlet and a laser point.

“Ever since…the downfall, militants have been patrolling every inch of market, road, and sky waiting to catch any trouble makers or patriots. Only problem for them is they haven’t checked underground.” The King and Riku traded quizzical looks while Link merely smiled.

“The townsfolk and I were devising a series of escape routes and communication centers beneath Hyrule Castle Graveyards in case of an enemy attack and time called for its use.”

Riku sat back amazed, “The people all agreed to this?”

“Of course,” Bosku chuckled, “We all knew a war would eventually break, and we were not sure we would exactly…take to the new neighbors. After Her Holiness’ murder and Link’s disappearance, we always hoped he would return to save Hyrule. This time, we would be able to help him. So call it a check on anarchy.”

The King perked up, “Golly how do we find this center? Especially without the guards knowing?”

Link rose from the table, a small book with gold pages swinging at his side. “The penitent man will pass…”

“…He who is humble, and kneels before our Holiness” Bosku finished. Link slid the book across the table into the King and Riku’s view. “Sleep well new friends, Tomorrow shall awaken to a new day.”

CnC would be appreciated

[Ban Mido]

Sorry for missing a couple Chapters. Great work. The later chapters are better organized, me thinks.

It's a shame that nobody else is taking notice of your talents.

[Destined]

Chapter 6

The harmony of market vendors vying to draw more attention to themselves clashed with the din of the consumers across the ancient buildings. As the shops began to dissolve, the conversations slowly ebbed to a few scattered hushed words as the sun began to give way to the evening. Guards monitored the crowds as people quietly returned to their homes while a select few passed the dilapidated churches without giving them a second look, all but one child.

This small child was wrapped in plain colored cloth. She always smiled as she routinely passed the Temple of Twilight. Every brick, each dust covered mosaic window put the child at ease; if only for a moment. She often envisioned that a person resided inside, singing a quiet song to ward off the world's sadness.

The village child stared at the doors transfixed and without realizing, walked into a cloaked traveler. “I’m…I’m s-sorry” the child stammered as a cold fear flashed iin her eyes.

“It’s all right, we both were thinking of another world” the traveler smiled.

The child stood still for a moment, realizing this man wasn’t a fearful guard and warmly returned the smile and with a slight giggle ran off.

Riku watched the girl disappear into the throngs of villagers, a sadness growing in his heart. Kairi….Sora…he longed to be back relaxing on Destiny Island, imagining sailing for other worlds, adventures abound; but those days were long gone, left in there wake only war, deception and sacrifice; he released a sigh and entered into the temple, pushing open the carved marble doors.

It was like stepping into another world.

The trickling sunlight cast colorful displays across stone statues and paintings representing glorious victories and past times. Link removed his hood and abruptly stopped walking, his hand slowly moving towards his keyblade,as his eyes focused on a cloaked figure kneeling before a large scale blown glass Tri-force and resting silently in the Tri-force's center, hung the sarcophagus of her Holiness, Princess Zelda.

The group remained where they were, not sure if the figure knew they had entered or if the figure was an enemy. The figure remained kneeling, moving it’s hands across the tuft of soil resting at the memorials base. A calm voice began to sing to the soil, the vrabatos and flow seeming to enchant the soil. Bosku gasped as a single red rose blossomed from the soil. The song slowly subsided as the figure picked the rose, tenderly lifting it to smell the sweet fragrance.

Link slowly walked forward, removing his hand from his keyblade. He reached down and gently rested his hand on the cloaked shoulder. Tears slowly streamed down the figures face as she turned her head to look at the group, Riku and King Mickey staring amazed.

“You came!” Aerith cried jumping up and embracing a surprised Link. “I knew you would come Cloud.”

*****

The chamber of Destiny’s silence was shattered as the three doors were blasted open, the three hooded members thrown inside.

“What news my bretheren?” Nex demanded his pace quickening as the three assumed their seats.

“He has returned to Hyrule and is inside the pathetic shrine these pathetic villagers revel in so.” The hooded suit stated.

Nex smiled, his wicked teeth bristling at the news, “I thank you Giovanni. You have served me well since we began this quest for our Destiny.” Giovanni smiled beneath his hood as he stroked his jet black Persian’s head.

“I have word about the Rogues, they have infiltrated Kingdom Hearts and taken two prisoners, it is not clear as to there intentions. It worries me that they have broken the borders, something isn’t right.” Announced the golden-eyed figure.

“If he is there, then I will be honored to take them myself my liege.” Sephiroth proclaimed. His words were met by the icy glare of Xen as he halted pacing.

“Send you? Why would I send you Sephiroth? You let the boy escape in three separate duels with you. I fear you may be in over your head.”

Sephiroth leapt upon the granite tablet drawing his Masume flat against Nex’s exposed neck. “He defeated me once on Midgar. The two incidents in Kingdom Hearts were forfeited by the weakling. You will remember that I struck him down on Zanarkand during the Rebellion.”

“It is true, but perhaps you shall require some…persuasion.” Xen clicked his fingers together and a platform rose from the floor. As the platform rose, a being could be seen resting inside, suspended in a fabricated dream-state.

“Dest my dear boy, were you able to recover the chest?”

The Golden-eyed boy tilted his head and reached for the chest. “It is as you command.”

Immediately the being convulsed, as the chest passed from Dest’s hands to Nex.

Nex turned his full attention toward the being. “You will accompany Sephiroth to Hyrule and you will make sure he doesn’t fail.” The being’s eyes burned into Nex’s and vice versa, until it slowly nodded.

“Go.” Nex commanded as Giovanni, Dest, Sephiroth and the enslaved being vanished. “Bring me the boys keyblade.”

*****

The group stood where they had, all unsure as to address Aerith. It was a few moments before King Mickey stepped forward and motioned for the others to do the same.

“Aeirth…do you know who we are?” the King asked.

“Of course I do your highness” She smiled, extending a finger as she spoke each name, “Sir Bosku, Riku, you your Highness and Cloud.”

Link slowly stepped away from Aerith. “My name is Link, Honorary Guardsman to her Holiness. You and I were introduced over a year ago at the Declaration.”

“No” a frown formed on her face, “You are Cloud Strife, former S.O.L.D.I.E.R., Midgar Province of the Farplane Kingdom” She stammered, glancing down at the rose.

“I’m sorry, I’m not-“

“Dilly Dally! I’ll prove it to you!” In one fluid movement Aerith reached and with a tremendous jerk forced Link to kneel besides her at the memorials base. “Akitafuse Bongenit” she whispered.

“NO!” screamed Bosku throwing aside his cane as he tried to tackle Aerith but was greeted with a face full of dust and empty air as if neither Aerith nor Link had ever existed.

“What happened?” Riku demanded, shifting his eyes around the Temple, his keyblade swinging in his right hand.

“She knows” Bosku choked through fear, “She knows the sacred spell that guards the underground…”

As abruptly as she had vanished, Aerith returned standing a few feet away. “Sir Bosku, why are you laying on the floor?” she giggled.

In a gust of strength, Bosku propelled himself off the floor and pinned Aerith against the Temples foundational pillar. “Three people knew that prayer, Her Holiness, Link and myself. How did you discover it?! ANSWER ME!”

Aerith collapsed onto the marble floor gasping for air and tears beginning to roll down her cheeks. “She…She told me..before…”

The king walked over to Aerith as she softly cried. “Aeirth…where is Link?”

She gazed up into his caring eyes and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I took Cloud down to the Holosphere Archives to prove who he is.”

“Let’s go.” Bosku stated, checking a holo display. He began to move towards the memorial as a shadow fell upon the Temple, cloaking it in a gray haze. The silence surrounded the group as the only noise they could hear was coming from their own heartbeat. Suddenly a large chorus of clapping broke the silence from behind the statue of the former King of Hyrule.

“Well done, well done. Mother was right, this church is nothing more than a façade, yet it intrigues me to see you again Aerith. Last I remember, you were sinking into the Lifestream.”

“Sephiroth” Aerith whispered still clutching her sore throat. “you can’t be here. Cloud-“

“Cloud was weak. It was brave of him to try and take me on in the Chamber, but his heart wasn’t…in the right place.”

“That’s not true…Cloud-“

“is dead.” Sephiroth breathed through a large evil smile, “as will you three.”

“No. Sora defeated you twice, you should be a piece of cake!” Riku stated, rushing forward swinging his keyblade in a high arch. Sephiroth unsheathed his long, slender sword and gave chase.

Parry, thrust, block, sidestep, jab, block, counter-attack. In wave after wave the sounds of metal rang through the holy temple, neither Riku nor Sephiroth backing down. A flurry of chops nearly took off Riku’s head, and as he dodge rolled away an image of Sora flashed in his mind. Come on Riku, he can’t beat you that easily. A swelling of adrenaline launched Riku forward driving off a strike to the chest. While the battle progressed, Bosku whispered the prayer to the king and watched as the king vanished. Bosku rushed forward, trying to get to Aerith but she instead cast the prayer at him and sent him away. Her eyes were crystal clear, determination stemming from her every pore.

Cloud…

Riku was beginning to tire, each new blow slowly driving him to his knees. Sephiroth stepped back, clearly out of breath, the sweat dripping from his forhead.

“Good you fight for what you desire, what you believe in: others. But it’s a pity that Mother has chosen your destiny this way.” He raised the sword high and began plunging it downwards, Riku closed his eyes and accepted defeat.

The blade passed down through Aerith, who leapt to protect Riku. He snapped his eyes open, shocked changing to a deepy saddness. Sephiroth dropped his sword to his side and smiled before vanishing into dust. Riku knelt down lifting Aerith’s head into his lap. She looked up at him, a feeling of peace before her lips parted and phrased a sentence that Riku was unable to hear. His eyes widened as he vanished and landed besides Link, Bosku and Mickey in a large library.

“She’s….she’s dead.” Riku stuttered staring where her head momentarily had been.

*******

Aerith lay on the cold floor her eyes closed as she envisioned herself walking down a narrow stretch of road towards Cloud. Her pain was slowly leaving her, releasing her from her body. It felt inexplainable. She looked up at Cloud as she approached him, she felt a longing, a longing to fix her mistake, to punish Sephiroth, a wish for the Farplane Kingdom. She opened her eyes. The stretch of road dissolving into a white haze, Cloud's voice trailing off, Not yet. Out of the haze, the gray ceiling loomed miles away it seemed. A shadow stood a few feet away, watching her as she struggled with her last moments of life. They locked eyes. He leaned down and scooped her as best he could, and whispered into her ears as she began to lose consciousness.

“Do you fear death?”